§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what regulations exist for the prevention of the use of hormones in European and British beef; and whether any action is being taken to ensure that beef imported from the United States of America and Canada is also hormone free.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonA ban on the administration of hormones to livestock for fattening purposes imposed by EC directives 81/602 and 85/649 was implemented in all member states by 31 December 1987. Imports from third countries such as the USA and Canada, where hormone growth promoters continue to be used, are, however, authorised until 31 December 1988.