§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what organisations he has consulted in connection with the proposed ban on the sale of bone-in beef. [21197]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 16 December 1997]The Department consulted over 330 organisations representing consumer, industry and farming interests. The names of the organisations concerned are included in the consultation package on the proposed legislation prohibiting the sale of bone-in beef, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he will use to judge when the ban on the sale of beef on the bone products should be lifted in the United Kingdom. [20502]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 15 December 1997]Our priority remains consumer safety. The ban will be kept under review and any decision to lift it will be taken in the light of scientific developments and progress with the eradication of BSE.