§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the annual United Kingdom production of animal growth promoters in each of the past 10 years; and what percentage was exported. [61817]
§ Mr. RookerI have been asked to reply.
Annual data on the United Kingdom production and export of growth promoters are not currently compiled. Figures from the trade organisation, the National Office of Animal Health Limited, indicate that throughout the EU growth promoters account for about 15 per cent. of all (human and veterinary) antimicrobials. However, the EU Commission has recently asked member states to collect detailed information on the production and export of antimicrobial growth promoters (and coccidiostats) on an annual basis. It is intended that collection of this information will start on 1 July 1999.