Volume 9: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Part 3: Northern Ireland
15. Chronological account of specific Northern Ireland issues
The 1990 ban on SBO in feed for animals

15.61 On 21 September 1990 DANI officials attended a meeting in London with MAFF at which they were told, among other things, about a ban on the feeding of SBO from animals over six months to any animal or bird (ie, in addition to humans); ¹ and a ban on the export of SBO to EU Member States. There was to be no compensation given to the feed industry for losses suffered as a result of the new measures. ²

15.62 Like the Scottish officials, they had not been given advance warning, no doubt as a consequence of the minute Mr A J Lebrecht (Mr Gummer's Private Secretary) sent to Mr Robert Lowson (head of MAFF's Animal Health Division) on 17 September, which instructed:

As regards the question of informing the Territorial Departments, the Minister recognises that they must know of the situation in advance of the announcement. However, in order to minimise the risk of leakage, he would like them to be informed at the latest practicable moment and for this to be done at CVO level. ³

15.63 Mr Lebrecht wrote to Mr Lowson again on 19 September to emphasise the point:

As regards the making of the relevant Order, the Minister wishes the Territorial Departments to be informed at the latest possible moment and in such a way that as few as possible people are in the picture. ⁴

15.64 Following the meeting with MAFF, officials in DHSS and DANI met to agree a submission to Northern Ireland Ministers. They agreed it was essential to follow the 'ultra-precautionary' MAFF lead, although Northern Ireland would have difficulty with carcass/offal disposal, and that urgent consultation with industry representatives should be arranged. ⁵

15.65 DANI officials met feed and rendering industry representatives on 24 September, the day of the press announcement of the measures. The meeting was chaired by the Minister, Lord Skelmersdale. Following the meeting Lord Skelmersdale issued a press statement which referred to the MAFF announcement. He concluded:

There is absolutely no risk to humans but the action we have taken is purely precautionary to make certain that a remote risk to pigs and other animals is neutralised. ⁶

15.66 The Diseases of Animals (Feedingstuffs) Order (NI) introduced the new measures in Northern Ireland. The Order was made on 24 September 1990 and came into operation the same day.