HC Deb 22 May 1996 vol 278 cc208-9W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many staff were employed by his Department on BSE-related research during(a) 1991, (b) 1992, (c) 1993, (d) 1994 and (e) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [26004]

Mr. Boswell

The following numbers of MAFF staff have been employed on BSE-related research:

Year Staff years
1991–92 n/a
1992–93 116.8
1993–94 104.1
Year Staff years
1994–95 103.8
1995–96 102.8
n/a = not available.

These figures do not reflect the totality of MAFF's BSE research programme as MAFF also funds BSE-related research at non-MAFF establishments. MAFF staff are also employed on work related to the diagnoses and monitoring of the disease.