Written question asked by Jim Hood (Labour) on Thursday, 30 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 October 1998. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what estimate he has made of the net job losses in rural communities resulting from the BSE crisis. - Inc figs and ref to an independent study from DTZ Pieda Consulting, in LIbrary.

Answer: Mr. Hood: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the net job losses in rural communities resulting from the BSE crisis. [55036] Mr. Rooker: In March 1997, UK Agriculture Departments and HM Treasury commissioned an independent study from DTZ Pieda Consulting to assess the economic impact of BSE on the UK economy. The study was completed in March of this year and a copy of the published report has been placed in the Library of the House. The report did not separately identify rural employment impacts, but concluded that, whilst the potential for job losses across the economy was high, actual job losses as a result of BSE were limited. Some 1,000 net job losses (less than 0.5% of the jobs involved in the meat production process) were identified in the 12 months following the outbreak of the crisis. The shift in demand to substitute meats, and the provision of subsidies and compensation payments, both helped to retain jobs. However the report drew attention to the likelihood of future adjustments as the crisis support measures are gradually withdrawn.

Secondary information