HL Deb 12 July 2000 vol 615 c33WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of recent reports that BSE may be found in cattle in several countries, where they are now sourcing bovine tissues for the production of human innoculants; and what precautions are taken to ensure the integrity of these products. [HL3218]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

New applications to market any medicinal product are assessed individually either by the Medicines Control Agency for national authorisations or by the relevant scientific rapporteurs for European authorisations to ensure that they comply with the European Note for Guidance on minimising the risk of transmitting spongiform encephalopathies through medicinal products. It addresses the geographical sourcing, tissues used and processing of bovine materials, and has recently been revised in the light of latest scientific evidence. Recent European legislation has given compliance with the Note for Guidance the force of law. The United Kingdom has transposed this legislation into national law.