HC Deb 09 May 1996 vol 277 c360
8. Mr. Barnes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further assessment has been made by his Department of the research by Dr. Harash Narang into live tests for BSE; and if he will make a statement. [27462]

Mrs. Browning

MAFF has recently responded positively to a request to collaborate in an assessment of the effectiveness of Dr. Narang's test. The experimental procedure to be used is currently being discussed.

Mr. Barnes

Are not live tests the answer? If they work, we would be able to incinerate the cattle with the disease. The fact that Dr. Harash Narang's work is now being looked at seriously by MAFF is welcome, but why was it blocked for so long? Why was he refused a grant in 1990? Dr. Narang first discovered the filament linked with the brain disease in 1972.

Mrs. Browning

The SEAC has invited Dr. Narang to make available to it his information on CJD, as has MAFF on BSE. He has always declined to make it available. He has also declined to publish his work in a recognised scientific journal. The hon. Gentleman is right; a live test would be very welcome. That is why the Government are co-operating. We are talking to Dr. Narang in the hope that one will be developed quickly.

Mr. Morley

Given the importance of a live test because of its implications for cattle slaughter, we are pleased that the Minister is taking the matter seriously. Will she comment on reports that Dr. Narang is having difficulty getting brain samples from infected cattle to continue development?

Mrs. Browning

The substance that Dr. Narang is asking for is bovine urine. We shall be as co-operative as we can on that.