§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what research was(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by his Department on the threat of BSE to human beings; and if he will make a statement on the extent to which such research is being co-ordinated (i) with other countries and (ii) by the European Union Commission. [14273]
§ Mrs. BrowningI have been asked to reply
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has commissioned an extensive programme of research to support control measures for BSE and to protect both human and animal health. A list of this research has been placed in the Library of the House. The results of the research are evaluated by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee which also advises the Government on future research.
Research commissioned by MAFF is complemented by the research programmes of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council, the Department of Health, the Scottish Office Department of Health and the Wellcome Trust. This research in the UK is now co-ordinated through the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy research funders group. A new high-level committee has been set up in the Cabinet Office whose task is to ensure that the TSE research programme progresses as rapidly and effectively as possible.
Research in the EU is co-ordinated through the offices of directorate general XII and directorate general VI. This was consolidated in November 1996 on the basis of a report from an advisory committee on TSE research requirements in Europe. A call has been made for research proposals on TSEs under the framework IV programme 147W to cover areas identified as requiring further research. Programme co-ordinators from the UK have made a significant input to the EU advisory committee and the standing committees dealing with the research.
The number of centres actively engaged in TSE research in other European countries is relatively small, but expanding. The research scientists and programme managers in the UK are in constant communication with the centres in European and other countries and there is exchange of information, ideas, materials and, where appropriate, direct collaboration. There is no formal international co-ordination so far, and each country largely supports the research required to meet its national requirements.