Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

HC Deb 20 June 1991 vol 193 c267W

21. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the British Veterinary Association to discuss the control of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Mr. Maclean

I have not met representatives of the British Veterinary Association recently to discuss this issue but my officials are in close and regular contact.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will ask the Tyrrell Committee to look at the safety of burying carcases of BSE affected cattle in landfill tips; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The Tyrrell committee has considered the survival of the scrapie agent in the soil, and has made no recommendation that landfill sites should not be used. The committee will continue to have this issue in mind in the future consideration of the scientific evidence on spongiform encephalopathies.