§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the actions so far taken by the United Kingdom Government to meet the requirements agreed at the EU summit in Florence in order to get the ban on beef exports lifted; and what additional actions now remain to be taken. [25251]
Dr. John Cunningham[holding answer 26 January 1998]: The Agreement secured at the EU summit in Florence permits the progressive resumption of exports on fulfilment of five pre-conditions. The following action has been taken to meet those pre-conditions:
The selective slaughter programme has been implemented: 59,347 animals have been slaughtered under the scheme up to 16 January 1998.551WA compulsory animal identification and movement recording system has been introduced. All cattle born or imported after 1 July 1996 are registered on a computerised database and may be moved only if accompanied by a valid passport recording the animal's movement history. A total of 3,984,010 cattle passports had been issued up to 10 January 1998.Legislation for the removal of mammalian meat and bone meal from feed mills and farms has been implemented and the European Commission confirmed that arrangements were acceptable after an inspection in July 1996.2,001,921 animals have been culled under the Over Thirty Month Slaughter Scheme up to 11 January 1998. Meat and bonemeal and tallow from carcases rendered under the scheme is being securely stored until it can be incinerated.Controls on slaughterhouses to ensure the removal of Specified Bovine Materials (SBM) have been strengthened.