Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the highest level of clenbuterol found in cattle from County Laois in the Republic of Ireland which were presented for slaughter in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyThe answer is 27.2 parts per billion (ppb).
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many clenbuterol-treated cattle from County Laois in the Republic of Ireland have been presented for slaughter in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months;
(2) how many clenbuterol-treated animals from County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland have been presented for slaughter in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months.
§ Mr. HanleyIn the last 12 months two cattle from County Laois and 24 from County Donegal presented for slaughter in Northern Ireland have been found to contain residues of clenbuterol.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements exist for action against beef producers in the Republic of Ireland who present clenbuterol-treated animals for slaughter in meat plants in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyAll such cases are communicated to the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland arid it is for them to decide on what, if any, action is taken against the producers concerned.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy that all animals originating from a farm in one of whose animals clenbuterol has been detected at a slaughterhouse should have their urine tested; and if he will bring forward proposals for acquiring powers to detain animals which have tested positive for clenbuterol.
§ Mr. HanleyI am considering such a policy under the powers available when the Food Safety Order comes into effect on 21 May 1991.