§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is taking any action to prevent butchers selling for human consumption uncooked brains from cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[pursuant to his reply, 21 June 1988, c. 515]: Sir Richard Southwood's working party has made an interim report to Ministers recommending that as a precautionary measure the carcases of cattle affected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy should be destroyed. The Government have accepted this recommendation. Pending the final conclusion of the working party, arrangements will be made for compulsory slaughter and destruction of carcases. Compensation will be payable at 50 per cent. of market value subject to a ceiling.
Sir Richard Southwood has also made recommendations about research and development. In particular, he has proposed that activity in this area should be co-ordinated by an expert working group. The Government are urgently considering how best to implement this recommendation.
The detailed implementation of both these elements, including the scope for an industry financial contribution, will be discussed with the farming industry as a matter of urgency.