5. Mr. John P. SmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the National Farmers Union to discuss bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
§ Mr. GummerI am in regular discussion with the National Farmers Union on a wide range of issues, including BSE.
§ 42. Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to take any further measures to control BSE; and if he will make a statement.
§ 56. Mr. John EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to take further measures to control BSE; and if he will make a statement.
§ 6. Mr. LewisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to take further measures to control BSE; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. GummerLegislation has, from 25 September, prohibited the use of certain bovine offals in all animal feedstuffs, including pet food.
In addition, legislation came into force on 15 October which will require cattle owners to maintain breeding records of their herds and to keep both these and animal movement records for 10 years. As well as tightening general disease control measures, this will enable the offspring of BSE cases to be traced more easily, should if prove necessary to do so.