§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 6 November,Official Report, column 583, on the use of beef in processed food, if he will set out the arrangement for the removal authorised by the regulation, and the basis of the legal requirement to destroy beef held in intervention prior to 29 March. [4495]
§ Mrs. BrowningBeef held in intervention store on 27 March 1996 has been identified and, in accordance with regulation (EC) 1757/96, is being held separately from beef purchased after 27 March. Incineration will take place as soon as sufficient capacity can be identified. In any event, destruction must be completed by 31 March 1997. Article 23 of Council regulation (EEC) 805/68 provides the legal base for this destruction. None of the beef purchased before 27 March will be released for human consumption.