§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the total number of individual animals by species excluding cattle in which spongiform encephalopathies have been confirmed in each of(a) 1988, (b) 1989, (c) 1990 and (d) 1991; and if he will indicate for each species the numbers believed to have contracted the disease by (i) vertical transmission, (ii) contaminated feeding stuff, (iii) transmission unknown or (iv) any other method.
§ Mr. MacleanNaturally occurring spongiform encephalopathies in species other than cattle are not notifiable diseases. Nevertheless we are aware of the following cases in Great Britain confirmed by laboratory analysis:
82Wand (b) grant scheme available to farmers in 1991; and how many agreements were entered into for each grant scheme.
§ Mr. CurryThe information requested in respect of the principal grant and subsidy schemes available to farmers in 1991 is as follows:
1988 1989 1990 1991 Cat — — 12 11 Arabian Oryx — 1 — — Greater Kudu — 1 1 1 Eland — 1 — 2 Sheep 215 246 348 1894 Goats not known 5 15 9 1 Since 1991 reporting of cases of scrapie in sheep has been encouraged, to obtain material for spongiform encephalopathy research. Epidemiological investigations were not carried out in the cases of scrapie, but it is considered to be transmissible both maternally and horizontally. Insufficient epidemiological data is available to draw firm conclusions on the other cases.
83W
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the locations of the refrigerated containers dedicated for the use of BSE carcases and controlled and monitored by his Ministry in the south-west of England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanIn addition to those at the two dedicated storage centres in Devon, there is a refrigeration container at an incineration plant in Gloucestershire and another in Avon which is used only in emergencies such as a breakdown at an incineration plant.