§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the future incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIt is not possible to predict the future course of the disease with any accuracy. However, having banned the use of feed, which is the most likely cause of the disease, and provided it does not pass from cattle to cattle, the incidence should start to decline after 1992.
§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action he intends to take in the light of the Southwood report on bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sir H. Miller) on 27 February at columns89–91.
§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his Department has commissioned research to test the infectivity of bovine spongiform encephalopathy on human cellular material.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonNo, but trials are under way using marmosets, which are primates.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to follow up recommendations contained in the report of the working party on bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sir H. Miller) on 27 February at columns89–91.