§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the incidence of trichinella spiralis in the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mrs. Fenner[pursuant to her reply, 29 April 1986, c. 377]: There were no recorded cases of Trichinella Spiralis in 1985–86.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what circumstances pig carcases are tested for the presence of trichinella spiralis; and by whom such tests are undertaken.
§ Mrs. Fenner[pursuant to her reply, 29 April 1986, c. 377]: It is a requirement of the legislation of the Federal Republic of Germany that all imports of pigmeat must have been tested and found free of trichinella spiralis. The Government decided to relieve exporters of the cost of testing carcases to satisfy this requirement as from 1 June 1983 as part of the arrangement for meeting the costs of veterinary supervision and certification in export plants. The tests are carried out under the supervision of a local veterinary inspector appointed by my Department.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total annual cost of testing pig carcases for the presence of trichinella spiralis; and what is the average cost per carcase.
§ Mrs. Fenner[pursuant to her reply, 29 April 1986, c. 377]: Expenditure on such tests during the financial year 1985–86 is estimated at £235,000. The average cost per carcase was 57p.