§ 25. Mr. BluntTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions have taken place with regard to the sale of beef on the bone to the final consumer. [63009]
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§ Mr. RookerLocal authorities are generally responsible for enforcing the Beef Bones Regulations 1997 and I am not aware that any prosecutions have been completed though at least three are in progress. I would expect prosecutions to be taken if other enforcement action fails. I understand that such action has included reminding traders that the retail sale of bone-in beef is not permitted, the issuing of warnings and the formal cautioning of traders who admit to retailing bone-in beef. Details of prosecutions brought to my Department's attention are included in the BSE Enforcement Bulletin which is published monthly by my Department. Copies of the Bulletin are available in the Libraries of the House.