§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates have been drawn to his attention as to the cost to the meat industry of BSE. [2798]
§ Mr. RookerThere have been several studies which have addressed certain aspects of the costs of BSE, but I am not aware of any estimates of the total cost to the meat industry. However, the Ministry has commissioned an independent study to provide a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of BSE across the whole UK economy and within particular regions. The study is expected to be completed during September 1997.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the selective cull is required in order to meet the target date of 2001 in terms of BSE eradication. [2801]
§ Mr. RookerThe year 2001 is not a target date for BSE eradication, but an estimate of the time when the BSE epidemic will have reached insignificant levels based on research carried out by Professor Anderson of Oxford University and his team, in collaboration with Wilesmith and others at VLA and published in Nature, volume 382. The purpose of the selective cull is to accelerate the rate of decline in the epidemic by removing animals which are likely to become BSE cases and to comply with the pre-conditions of the Florence Agreement made in June 1996.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult food consumer groups on the case for a judicial inquiry into the handling of the BSE crisis. [2799]
§ Mr. RookerI intend to have close contacts with consumer groups, and will be happy to hear their views on all aspects of the BSE crisis, including the case for an inquiry.