To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the rates that are payable for the storage and disposal of BSE carcases; to whom such payments are made; and if he will make a statement.

This information is commercial-in-confidence and cannot therefore be disclosed.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his answer of 23 January, Official Report, column 289, if he will set out the conditions covering the storage of BSE confirmed carcases in refrigerated lorries; whether his Ministry has to be notified of every location where such carcases are stored; and if he will make a statement.

There are six sites where refrigerated containers are held while loads are being assembled. The State Veterinary Service supervises the facilities to ensure that they are used only for storing BSE carcases; lockable; bird, rodent and leak proof; capable of being thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.All carcases are transported under licence to specified destinations. The licence includes details of identification marks permitting cross referencing at holding premises.