Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 November 1999. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 November 1999 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 progress he has made in obtaining approval from (a) the European Union and (b) the Treasury for financial assistance to the pig industry with regard to the extra costs of offal disposal resulting from the BSE problem in cattle.

Answer: Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in obtaining approval from (a) the European Union and (b) the Treasury for financial assistance to the pig industry with regard to the extra costs of offal disposal resulting from the BSE problem in cattle. [99047] Ms Quin: In discussions with the European Commission, it was clear that there would be considerable difficulties in devising a scheme to meet the cost of pig offal disposal which complied with state aid rules. Until there is a proposal which could prove acceptable to the European Commission, there is no basis for seeking additional funding.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 99047; 340 c184W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Costs Disease control EU grants and loans Pigs Livestock industry Offal Waste disposal Subsidies BSE