§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what safeguards have been introduced to protect abattoir workers from the risk of infection by the BSE virus; when these safeguards were introduced; and how they are monitored and enforced. [21661]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI have been asked to reply.
Guidance for abattoir workers recommending the precautions to be taken to avoid the remote risk of transmission of BSE from bovine carcases was first issued in March 1990. The guidance was prepared by the Health and Safety Executive in co-operation and with the endorsement of the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and was published by the British Meat Manufacturing Association.
No cases of occupational transmission to humans have been identified. However, following the statement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health to the House on 20 March, Official Report, columns 375–86, the HSE has asked the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens to review the guidance which has been issued to all occupational groups, including abattoir workers.
Inspection of abattoirs with regard to all aspects of human health and safety is the responsibility of HSE inspectors. The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and regulations made under it apply.