§ 24. Judy MallaberTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow officials in his Department to volunteer their own evidence to Lord Justice Philip's inquiry into BSE. [28769]
§ Mr. RookerCertainly. The Permanent Secretary has already informed all members of the Department that they should feel entirely free to make representations directly to the Inquiry.
§ 26. Mr. PikeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his current estimate of the total cost to(a) his Department, (b) the farming industry and (c) the meat processing industry of the BSE crisis. [28771]
§ Mr. RookerThe estimated cost to the Department of the BSE crisis is £3.7 billion over the period 1996/97 to 1999/2000. The Department has commissioned an independent study with the aim of providing a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of BSE across the whole UK economy and within particular regions. It is intended for publication soon.