Hansard

Bovine Tuberculosis

Volume 703: debated on Monday 21 July 2008

Download text
Back to top Previous debate Next debate
Lord Taylor of Holbeach

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the replies by Lord Rooker on 7 July (Official Report, cols 575-6), why, if the Continent does not have bovine tuberculosis, the European Union decided that the milk of reactors could not be used; and [HL4858]

Further to the replies by Lord Rooker on 7 July (Official Report, cols 575-6), how, if the Continent does not have bovine tuberculosis, the European Union became involved in making decisions relating to that disease. [HL4859]

The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Lord Rooker)

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) can be transmitted to humans, and, not least because milk and dairy products are traded internationally, the European Union clearly has an interest in ensuring that the risks of disease transmission are minimised. Food hygiene regulations in England provide for the execution and enforcement of certain Community instruments laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin. Similarly, the European Union has responsibility to reduce the risk of disease spread that could be caused by the intra-Community trade in live cattle.