§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow the export of whole carcases of sheep over 12 months old. [29310]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 13 February 1998]: The Specified Risk Material Regulations 1997 require the removal of the spinal cord of all sheep and goats more than 12 months of age by the splitting of the carcase, or by removal of a longitudinal section of the whole vertebral column containing the spinal cord. There is no exemption for carcases destined for export.
We are currently considering representations received from various organisations about the impact of this provision on exports of carcases of sheep over 12 months of age.