§ 26. Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he is making towards the eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and if he will make a statement. [5226]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonVery good progress is being made towards the eradication of BSE in cattle in Scotland. In 1988 we identified the reason for the sudden outbreak of the disease and took early action to eradicate that cause by banning the use of animal protein in cattle feed. Further control measures have been taken in the light of advice from our independent scientific advisers.
The success of that action is demonstrated by the continuing downward trend of cases which are now at their lowest level for five years. Out of a total number of cattle of over 2 million, the number of confirmed cases of BSE in Scotland in 1995 is expected to be around 600, which is some 27 per cent. of the 1993 level.
Our preventive measures are recognised as being safe and effective by independent experts in the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, the chief medical officers and international bodies including the World Health Organisation.