Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 1997. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Monday, 17 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: Which companies and research bodies have been commissioned by his Department to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE. - Includes list.

Answer: Mrs. Clwyd: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which companies and research bodies have been commissioned by his Department to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE. [20663] Mrs. Browning: The following organisations have been funded by MAFF to undertake work into finding a diagnostic test for BSE: Central Veterinary Laboratory Institute for Animal Health Birmingham university London Hospital Medical College Animal Health Trust Moredun Research Institute University of Edinburgh. A further contract with Newcastle university is in preparation at this time. An open competition for research funding for development of novel methods for the diagnosis of BSE was announced by MAFF to the international scientific community in August 1996. Proposals were reviewed by independent referees and three proposals from UK research laboratories were taken up for funding in January 1997 these are included in the list above. Two further proposals are being followed up; a joint proposal from two Swiss companies (Paul Scherrer Institute and CSEM, Centre Suisse D'Electronique Etude Microtechnique, S.A.) and the California Institute of Technology.

Secondary information