HC Deb 15 May 1996 vol 277 c465W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated number of cattle which will have to be slaughtered in Northern Ireland in accordance with the Government's BSE eradication policy. [28848]

Mr. Ancram

It is estimated that more than 40,000 cattle are on farms in Northern Ireland awaiting slaughter under the Government's over-30 months slaughter scheme, which came into operation recently.

Notwithstanding the requirement for slaughter under this scheme, all suspect BSE cases are slaughtered as and when they are identified.