HC Deb 25 November 1975 vol 901 cc100-1W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the authorities who have been consulted and who advised him that the imports/exports of carcase sheep with unskinned heads was hazardous to health; and what were the reasons given.

Mr. Strang

I take advice on this subject from my veterinary advisers. Their opinion is reinforced by international experts, including those participating in the formulation of a meat hygiene code under the ægis of the FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission. The skinning of the heads is required to enable full post-mortem inspection to be carried out and to avoid contamination of the carcases with which the heads must remain associated until their final inspection.