To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many Salmon letters have been sent out by the BSE inquiry in preparation for Phase II of the inquiry; to whom they were sent; how many have been withdrawn; and what is the total cost of providing legal assistance to recipients of letters pertaining to Phase II of the BSE inquiry. [83262]

[holding answer 4 May 1999]: The distribution of Salmon letters is a confidential process which is entirely a matter for the Committee of Inquiry and individual recipients; I am therefore unable to provide the information requested.