§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the British Stickmakers Guild about the classification of rams' horns as animal offal; and if he will make a statement. [10556]
§ Mr. RookerI have received no written representations from the British Stickmakers Guild about the classification of rams' horns as animal offal.
Under the Heads of Sheep and Goats Order 1996, the heads—excluding the tongue—of sheep and goats of any age other than those born, reared and slaughtered in Australia and New Zealand must be disposed of as specified waste material. This would include the horns if still attached to the head. However, horns themselves are not considered to be a risk, provided that they are removed without breaking into the cranial cavity in order to ensure that there is no risk of contamination with brain material.