§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has had any discussions with the Irish Minister of Agriculture regarding the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the Republic of Ireland, and on the possibility of bovine spongiform encephalopathy infected products being imported into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have not discussed the recent case of BSE in the Republic of Ireland with its Minister of Agriculture. However, there is contact at official level, including between veterinarians, in relation to this issue. The Republic is shortly to introduce legislation which will require the compulsory slaughter and destruction of all animals affected with BSE. This is in line with the precautionary measures adopted here last August.