Written question asked by Richard Body (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 May 2000. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Friday, 5 May 2000 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 his policy on making available material from beef carcases for the purpose of research into BSE.

Answer: Sir Richard Body: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on making available material from beef carcases for the purpose of research into BSE. [120700] Ms Quin: The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) holds an archive of material from BSE-infected cattle. Scientists may apply directly to the TSE Office at VLA to request samples of these tissues for use in research. Applications are approved by the TSE Research and Surveillance Unit in MAFF on the basis of the supplies available and the merit of the research. Scientists also need to show that they have the containment facilities available to perform the research and any necessary Home Office or import licences. Where sufficient supplies exist, reasonable requests will be granted and the tissues will be released once funding for the research is secured.

Secondary information