§ Mrs. Helen Jackson (Sheffield, Hillsborough)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. My point of order relates to a response to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East (Dr. Strang) about the disposal by landfill of cattle carcases. He was told that 6,100 carcases suspected of having bovine spongiform encephalopathy had been disposed of by landfill, but that the locations, details and dates were too expensive to be provided. As a Back Bencher interested in environmental protection, I have been endeavouring to pursue the issue for some months but am finding it frustrating and almost impossible to operate solely by means of parliamentary questions and answers which are later contradicted and countermanded. I wonder whether you could advise me, Madam Speaker, whether you keep a record of the number of times Ministers have to correct their parliamentary answers to hon. Members so that, in the absence of any authoritative report on the disposal of carcases from the BSE cull, a Back Bencher like myself can arrive at the truth.
§ Madam SpeakerThere is no way in which I can keep track of all that Ministers say in the House, any more than I can keep track of what Back Benchers say—[Interruption] I am perfectly aware of what is happening. I was asked a question by the hon. Lady and I have every intention of replying to the point of order.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Roger Freeman)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. I am glad that the hon. Lady is not referring to the over-30-months scheme, which of course came into operation in the spring of last year; clearly, she is referring to earlier periods. I give her and the House an undertaking that I shall discuss the matter further with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and then return to the House.
§ Mrs. Helen Jacksonrose—
§ Madam SpeakerThere can be no further point of order. The Minister has answered the hon. Lady; he will take the matter up with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and will report back to the House as a result of the hon. Lady's point of order.