§ 54. Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money his Department has paid out in compensation in respect of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in infected cattle.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonFrom 8 August last year, when the compulsory slaughter policy was introduced, until the end of April this year, £1,272,558 had been paid in compensation.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date his veterinary service first received tissues of cows suspected of being infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe samples from which bovine spongiform encephalopathy was first identified as a new disease were received at the Ministry's central veterinary laboratory on 3 November 1986, which was the same day that the animal was slaughtered.