§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy in relation to the use of bovine serum in vaccines. [22914]
§ Mr. HoramCurrently licensed vaccines do not contain any bovine material sourced from the United Kingdom. Bovine serum albumin, used in the manufacture of some vaccines, is covered by the European Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products 517W guideline on bovine spongiform encephalopathy and medicines entitled "Minimising the risk of transmission of agents causing spongiform encephalopathies via medical products". All UK licensed vaccines comply with this guidance.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the countries from which bovine serum for vaccine is banned for use in the United Kingdom and the date on which the prohibitions took effect. [22915]
§ Mr. HoramThere is no list of banned countries, but bovine serum albumin is not obtained from United Kingdom sources, or areas where bovine spongiform encephalopathy is endemic. Bovine serum albumin used in vaccine manufacture must comply with the European Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products guideline on BSE and medicines, entitled "Minimising the risk of transmission of agents causing spongiform encephalopathies via medical products".