asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to ensure the total elimination of the use of hormones as growth promoters in cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Hormones in Animals.
33.
The availability and use of hormones is strictly controlled under regulations which I have introduced to give effect to the EC ban on these substances. The regulations which, inter alia, prohibit the manufacture, importation, sale and possession of the prohibited hormones, and the use of such hormones in farm animals are being vigorously enforced.
My Department has adopted a variety of measures to ensure compliance with the regulations. These include on-farm sampling, sampling at abattoirs and regular checks on all veterinary medicines sale outlets. Authorised officers are provided with extensive powers of entry to land and premises to carry out necessary inspections and for seizure of evidence. The regulations provide for the locking up of suspect herds during investigations, for the special marking of animals found to be implanted and for the slaughter of hormone treated animals either with the owner's consent or by order of the District Court. Meat from such animals is excluded from the food chain. Severe penalties are provided for in the regulations including the possibility of a custodial sentence and forfeiture of illegally held drugs for destruction.
I am determined that these regulations will continue to be strenuously enforced in order to protect consumers and the reputation and acceptability of our products abroad. We are the largest meat exporter in Europe. The value of our meat exports is of the order of £1,000 million in a year and this trade is much too important to be put at risk by the illegal and irresponsible use of these prohibited substances.