§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will publish the criteria for contractors taking on the disposal of BSE-infected carcases.
§ Mr. SoamesContractors disposing of BSE-suspect carcases by incineration must first obtain relevant planning and pollution approval from the appropriate local authority.
Contractors must also comply with contractural obligations drawn up by this Ministry to minimise the contamination of premises, prevent contamination of water and air and provide for safe handling of material by operators.
Mr. PickhallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many BSE-infected carcases were incinerated in each region in 1991–92, 1992–93 and thus far in 1993–94.
§ Mr. SoamesThe number of suspect BSE carcases slaughtered in each region and subsequently incinerated, from 1991 to 1994, is as follows. This information can be obtained only on a calendar year basis.
Region 1991 1992 1993 1994 Northern 2,376 4,457 5,042 392 Midlands and West 4,679 9,164 9,096 726 Eastern 1,680 2,557 2,555 235 South East 2,785 3,975 3,855 343 South West 15,394 16,860 13,467 1,063 Wales 2,570 4,518 4,043 374 South Scotland 551 1,281 1,651 124 North Scotland 271 635 816 71 Total 30,306 43,447 40,525 3,328 1994 figures are as at 31 January.