§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what action he is taking to investigate the use of meat and bone meal from sheep infected with scrapie; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will take any action to ensure that meat and bone meal from sheep infected with scrapie is not fed to cattle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonLegislation which prohibits the use of ruminant derived meat and bonemeal in feed rations for cattle and other ruminants came into force on 18 July this year, with the full co-operation of the United Kingdom renderers association. My officials are investigating the processes used by rendering plants in Great Britain to determine whether they may be capable of producing a product safe for use in ruminant feed. Meanwhile the ban remains in force.