Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 1998. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what is the average age of cattle at slaughter from which beef is imported from (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia. - (Holding answer 16 December 1997).

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average age of cattle at slaughter from which beef is imported from (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia. [20714] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer 16 December 1997]: European Community rules do not require the certification or documentation accompanying beef traded within the Community or imported from third countries to include information on the age of animals at slaughter. The sale of meat for human consumption originating from animals over 30 months old from the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands or France would be a breach of our legislation. Botswana, Namibia and Australia are exempt from these requirements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20714; 306 c276W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Cattle Australia Food Imports France Namibia Republic of Ireland Slaughterhouses BSE Beef Netherlands Botswana