§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to screen beef imports from the Irish Republic against BSE. [22818]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 26 March 1996]: Under European law, imports of beef from third countries and other member states are subject to harmonised EC animal and public health rules designed to protect against a wide range of potential health hazards.
In addition, the Beef (Emergency Control) Order 1996, as amended, prohibits the sale for human consumption of all meat derived from bovines which, at the time of slaughter, were more than 30 months old. This measure applies to all bovines slaughtered after the commencement of the order, whether in the United Kingdom or overseas, other than those slaughtered in third countries listed in the schedule to the No. 2 amendment order, where the Government are satisfied we can import beef. The Irish Republic is not included in this schedule.
As regards bovines less than 30 months of age, there are currently no EC rules in place regarding BSE which apply to beef produced in member states from such animals. We are keeping this the position under review.