§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries which are refusing to import British milk due to concerns over BSE; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe only countries currently restricting imports of milk and milk products because of concerns about BSE are China, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the USSR.
All the scientific evidence is that milk and milk products are quite safe to consume in any form. This view has been endorsed by the European Community's scientific experts and those of the Office Internationale des Epizooties (OIE). A recent OIE report on BSE recommends that exports of milk and milk products from the United Kingdom should not be restricted for either animal or public health reasons. We will continue to press countries which have imposed restrictions to lift them.