§ Mr. Ivan LewisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press the United States Department of Agriculture to end immediately its ban on the export of poultry to Europe. [2261]
§ Mr. RookerThere is no ban by the United States Department of Agriculture on the export of poultry or poultry meat to Europe. Exports of poultry meat to the European Community must, however, be accompanied by an export health certificate authorised by an official veterinarian to the effect that the consignment meets Community import health requirements. US veterinarians will not authorise export health certificates for poultry meat and exports cannot therefore take place. Discussions between the European Commission, who have competence in this area, and the US authorities are continuing.