HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc575-6W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of which areas restricted as a result of radiation from Chernobyl, livestock are classified as not fit for human consumption. [19659]

Mrs. Browning

Following the latest derestrictions, which took effect from 17 January 1996, about 122,600 hectares of land in the UK remain subject to statutory restrictions to prevent the sale of sheepmeat containing levels of radiocaesium in excess of an action level of 1,000 becquerels per kilogram. These restrictions apply in parts of north Wales, parts of west Cumbria, parts of County Antrim and County Londonderry in Northern Ireland, and parts of Dumfries and Galloway, Strathclyde and Central regions of Scotland.

Sheep grazing these areas are the only livestock affected by the restrictions. The mark and release scheme ensures that radiocaesium levels in sheep are at an acceptable level before the meat reaches the human food chain.