§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the cost per carcase if current testing for trichinella spiralis was carried out within the state veterinary service.
§ Mrs. Fenner[pursuant to her reply, 6 May 1986, c. 94]: The cost per carcase, if testing for trichinella spiralis were undertaken by the state veterinary service, would depend on several factors; in particular, it would depend on the number of samples presented for testing on a regular basis and the proximity of the laboratory to slaughterhouses. It is estimated that the cost would vary around the average cost for testing carried out under the supervision of local veterinary inspectors. My Department is currently reviewing the cost of the present arrangements and in this connection will consider, consistent with the need to meet the West German requirements, whether it would be cost-effective for the state veterinary service to provide a trichinella testing service in particular areas.