Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the incidence of BSE in cattle in each of the past five years; how many cases of BSE178W have been identified in 1999 to date; and if he will make a statement on the impact of Northern Ireland beef products into the European Union. [94838]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe information requested in relation to the incidence of BSE in Northern Ireland is provided in the table.
Apart from a relatively small amount of beef exported under the Export Certified Herds Scheme in the second half of 1998 and the first half of 1999 there have been no exports of Northern Ireland beef since the export ban on UK beef was imposed in March 1996.
BSE confirmed cases in Northern Ireland 1994–99 Total cases 1994 363 1995 170 1996 81 1997 28 1998 18 1999 15 1 Figure as at 21 October 1999