Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Hansard, 7 May 1991)

§ Mr. Ron Davies
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will prohibit breeding from the offspring of BSE-affected cattle.

§ Mr. Maclean
No.

§ Miss Emma Nicholson
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations his Department has received from local authorities regarding the case for national policy guidance in respect of the need for, and situation of, additional incinerator capacity for bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected carcases.

§ Mr. Maclean
We have received a number of representations from local authorities which are considering planning applications for incineration plants seeking advice on the disposal of suspect bovine spongiform encephalopathy carcases. The State Veterinary Service will provide advice and information to any local authority which seeks it.

§ Miss Emma Nicholson
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the effects of disposal of bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected carcases by means of incineration.

§ Mr. Maclean
Incineration is a safe, effective means of disposal, leaving only sterile ash.

§ Miss Emma Nicholson
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on his policy relating to the transport and processing of carcases affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy and the recommended means of disposal;
(2) if he will make a statement of his Department's policy relating to the scale and distribution of additional incinerator capacity for the disposal of bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected carcases in the south-west peninsula;
(3) what assessment his Department has made of the number of bovine spongi form encephalopathy-infected carcases that will require disposal by incinerator annually in the south-west peninsula over the next (a) five years and (b) 10 years.
389W

§ Mr. Maclean
The carcases of suspect bovine spongiform encephalopathy cases are disposed of by burial or incineration. Although both are safe, well-established methods, incineration in plants which comply with strict conditions laid down by the Ministry for storage and incineration is preferable. Carcases are moved under licence to these incineration plants, and the vehicles used must comply with the licence conditions.
Within the south-west region there are two incineration plants in which suspect bovine spongiform encephalopathy carcases are incinerated. However the disposal of carcases is handled on a national basis and is not restricted by regional or other boundaries. Carcases that originate in the south-west are not necessarily incinerated there.
At the moment over 90 per cent. of carcases are incinerated. Our aim is to deal with all carcases in this way and we hope shortly to have sufficient capacity to do so. Nevertheless, we would consider contracting with any incineration plant which can meet our standards and has obtained the necessary local authority planning consents and approvals.