§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received a copy of the report of the Institute of Economic Affairs concerning salmonella contamination in eggs; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MacleanI have received a copy of this report and have noted its contents. The Government's policy in relation to salmonella in eggs and poultry has been set out in evidence provided to the Select Committee on Agriculture.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) of 14 January,Official Report, column 392, what existing measures will continue to be taken where necessary to protect public health with regard to poultry flocks infected with salmonella typhimurium.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Minister's authority to exercise his powers under the Animal Health Act 1981 and the Zoonoses Order 1989 remains in force in relation to all types of salmonella. The arrangements for the compulsory slaughter of breeding flocks infected with salmonella typhimurium are to continue unchanged. For commercial egg-laying flocks, the automatic slaughter policy will continue in relation to salmonella enteritidis which remains the prime cause of salmonella food poisoning in humans. If infection from another type of salmonella is confirmed in a laying flock, slaughter will be required if this is considered necessary in the circumstances in order to safeguard public health.