§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he gives concerning the level of compensation to be paid in respect of bovine spongiform encephalopathy confirmed cattle identified at abattoirs; what certification is involved; which officials are authorised to certify payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe levels of compensation payable for cattle compulsorily slaughtered between 8 August 1988 and 13 February 1990 (inclusive) because of BSE were laid down in the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Compensation Order 1988. The levels payable for cattle slaughtered on or after 14 February 1990 are laid down in the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Order 1990.
A suspected animal's market value is determined by agreement between the owner of the animal and an officer of the state veterinary service, or by one valuer appointed jointly by the owner and the officer or, failing such agreement or appointment, by a valuer nominated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the outbreak of disease among mink in Wisconsin in 1947, where the animals displayed symptoms similar to those of cows affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy, will be considered as part of his Department's research into the causes and properties of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
§ Mr. CurryThe disease referred to in the question is called transmissible mink encephalopathy and outbreaks have occurred in continental Europe and north America. Part of the Department's research programme on BSE is to determine whether BSE is transmissible to mink.