§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list abattoirs in the South West and South East of England which will slaughter animals over the age of 30 months but less than 42 months under the Government's Beef Assurance Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the Government's support of organic farming; [78919]
(2) what legislation prevents abattoirs from slaughtering cattle over the age of 30 months under the Beef Assurance Scheme. [78920]
§ Ms Blears[holding answers 5 November 2002]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that licensed abattoirs are free to slaughter animals reared under the beef assurance scheme, but only a number choose to do so. There is no legislation to prevent abattoirs from slaughtering such cattle, but there are controls in place relating to the removal of vertebral column from animals over 30 months of age.
Organic farming is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.