HC Deb 14 March 1994 vol 239 c494W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will publish the criteria for contractors taking on the disposal of BSE-infected carcases.

Mr. Soames

Contractors disposing of BSE-suspect carcases by incineration must first obtain relevant planning and pollution approval from the appropriate local authority.

Contractors must also comply with contractural obligations drawn up by this Ministry to minimise the contamination of premises, prevent contamination of water and air and provide for safe handling of material by operators.

Mr. Pickhall

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many BSE-infected carcases were incinerated in each region in 1991–92, 1992–93 and thus far in 1993–94.

Mr. Soames

The number of suspect BSE carcases slaughtered in each region and subsequently incinerated, from 1991 to 1994, is as follows. This information can be obtained only on a calendar year basis.

Region 1991 1992 1993 1994
Northern 2,376 4,457 5,042 392
Midlands and West 4,679 9,164 9,096 726
Eastern 1,680 2,557 2,555 235
South East 2,785 3,975 3,855 343
South West 15,394 16,860 13,467 1,063
Wales 2,570 4,518 4,043 374
South Scotland 551 1,281 1,651 124
North Scotland 271 635 816 71
Total 30,306 43,447 40,525 3,328

1994 figures are as at 31 January.