To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if all cattle arriving at Scottish abattoirs are subject to examination for BSE.

Since 1961 all cattle slaughtered in Scottish abattoirs have been subjected to statutory ante-mortem inspection by suitably qualified meat inspectors or veterinary surgeons in order to determine whether they are showing symptoms of any disease, including BSE, or signs of injury, disease or stress. This applies equally to export approved abattoirs and those producing meat for domestic consumption only.