§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what instructions were issued following the Chernobyl accident to environmental health officers and meat inspectors relating to blue-marked sheep presented for slaughter; and if he will place copies of these instructions in the Library.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 2 February 1988]: Throughout the period of the operation of the "mark and release" scheme for sheep, including the periods when blue-marking was used, my officials have been in communication with the appropriate personnel in local authorities to advise on the nature of the restrictions and enforcement action. The advice has had to take account of the differing organisation for enforcement that exists within the various local authorities. Copies of all the communications could be obtained only with disproportionate effort and cost.