HC Deb 04 February 1997 vol 289 cc587-8W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the current situation in the BSE crisis. [13566]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The measures introduced by the Government to protect the public health from any risk from BSE continue and returns for BSE enforcement measures show continuing high compliance rates. The BSE epidemic is in sharp decline as a result of the controls in place, particularly the ruminant feed ban.

We have been working actively to meet the pre-conditions in the Florence agreement and will continue to work for a progressive lifting of the export ban. The Government have committed over £250 million in direct financial support to producers to help keep the production and marketing chains open and thereby ensure the survival of the UK beef industry.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings he has had with National Farmers Union representatives to discuss BSE and related matters. [13627]

Mr. Evans

Welsh Office Ministers and officials have had numerous meetings with the NFU to discuss BSE.

Back to