§ 10. Mr. LoydenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on developments since the consideration of bovine somatotro-pin by European Standing Committee A on Wednesday 9 February.
§ Mr. SoamesFollowing the decision of the EC Council of Agriculture Ministers, which was reported to the House on 17 December 1993, we shall be carefully considering all subsequent developments, including those following last week's extensive Standing Committee debate, in coming to a final view on the future of the current BST moratorium.
§ Mr. LoydenWhile I accept the need for the criteria to be met in full on these matters, does the Minister consider that the delays are having an adverse effect on British production and jobs and investment in my constituency? Is not it surprising that the United States, which is considered to have very high standards with regard to regulation, has already agreed to marketing?
§ Mr. SoamesThe hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. As he knows, the basic scientific principles of safety, quality and efficacy have already been proved in this situation. I am fully aware of the significant investment made in his constituency by Lilley which has developed a factory at Speke at a cost of £40 million and where there are 150 jobs. It is critical not only for that reason but for the reason that if the decision went against BST, it having passed all its scientific hurdles, it would send entirely the wrong signal to the rest of the European Community and those seeking to invest in the Community about the sense of urgency and understanding that the Community has of modern science. It would be a very poor decision.