§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on BSE.
§ Mr. SoamesA progress report on BSE in the United Kingdom is being presented by the Ministry to the general assembly of the Office International des Epizooties this month. The report gives detailed information on BSE in the United Kingdom up to the end of April. The report points to the firm evidence that the ruminant feed ban is having the predicted effect on the course of the epidemic. The number of suspect cases being reported is now no higher than at the same time last year, and the number of cases occurring in young animals has fallen sharply. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.