§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she first was informed of the results of the tests conducted by the Laboratory of the Government Scientist in relation to BSE in sheep; and if she will make a statement; [9916]
691W(2) on what basis the time of publication of the findings of the Government Scientist in relation to the work of the Institute of Animal Health on BSE in sheep was decided. [9917]
§ Margaret BeckettThe results of DNA testing undertaken by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) were made known to me on the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 October. Only at around 6.00 pm on Wednesday evening was information received suggesting that the material analysed by the LGC might be representative of the brain pool used in the Institute of Animal Health experiment.
The finding that there was no sheep material in the sample sent to the LGC was a totally unforeseen development. Nevertheless, a statement was made the same evening and within a few hours of Ministers being informed of the results. This statement was given to the Press Association at about 9.00 pm, then issued to other news organisations.