§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the cost to the United Kingdom feed manufacturing industry of a ban on the use of fishmeal in feeds for cattle and sheep; [149653]
(2) if it is his intention to seek a derogation for the United Kingdom from EU proposals banning the use of fishmeal in feeds for cattle and sheep. [149654]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 9 February 2001]: Interested parties have been consulted on the impact of the new EU-wide feed controls, including the ban on fishmeal. Representations received are currently being examined. When this assessment is complete, we will announce how we intend to proceed.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the proposed European ban on the use of fishmeal in animal feedingstuff; and what reply he has sent. [150062]
503W
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 14 February 2001]: We have received letters from 12 hon. Members and 53 other interested parties, including agricultural trade associations, farmers, feed manufacturers, feed nutritionists, veterinarians and welfare groups.
In responding to letters addressing the Agricultural Council decision on feed controls, we have made clear our intention to implement the ban on fishmeal from ruminant feed in a proportionate way, so far as we are able. Letters relating to the consultation on implementation of the feed controls will be considered as part of the consultation process and individual replies issued in due course.