§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what volume of beef imported into the United Kingdom in 1996 was seized as being suspected of being unfit for human consumption; if he will list the countries of origin of such beef indicating the volume from each country; and if he will make a statement. [4652]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 20 June 1997]: All consignments of beef imported from third countries are, on entry to the Community, subject to veterinary checks at border Inspection Posts specifically approved for this purpose. GB's border inspection posts are operated by local authorities. Production of beef in Member States is governed by harmonised rules which place the onus on the Member State of origin to ensure that the beef has been produced in compliance with those rules. On arrival of the consignment, documentation and health marketing, to show the goods have been produced in accordance with these rules, are required to be checked by the Meat Hygiene Service or, if they are not responsible for the plant (such as a meat product plant), by the owner of the 545W premises. Any irregularity should be reported to MAFF. Additionally an officer of the Ministry or local Authority is empowered to inspect a consignment, imported from another Member States, either in transit or at its destination if it is suspected that the consignment presents a threat to public or animal health. I can confirm that beef imports are stopped where they are identified as not meeting import requirements, including being unfit for human consumption. However, no separate figures are held centrally regarding the volume or origin of such trade. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.