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: On what basis the contract between the Ministry of Agriculture and Electrophoretics International for research into a diagnostic test for BSE was tendered; how many other tenders were received; and what involvement Ministers had in the decision to let the contract to Electrophoretics International.

Answer: Mrs. Clwyd: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the contract between the Ministry of Agriculture and Electrophoretics International for research into a diagnostic test for BSE was tendered; how many others tenders were received; and what involvement Ministers had in the decision to let the contract to Electrophoretics International. [20665] Mrs. Browning: The nature of the agreement between MAFF and Electrophoretics International was one of collaboration. The Ministry did not commission any work from EI. This was not a contract to develop a diagnostic test and a tendering process was not relevant.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20665; 292 c376W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Contracts Cattle Diseases Disease control Research Testing BSE Electrophoretics International