§ 8. Mr. Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury)If he will review the ban on the sale of beef on the bone. [42729]
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Dr. John Cunningham)The Beef Bones Regulations 1997 are being kept under review, as is the case with all BSE-related control measures. Any future decision will be taken in the light of scientific developments and progress with the eradication of BSE.
§ Mr. RobertsonDoes the Minister not think it rather odd that in Northern Ireland beef can now be exported, but beef on the bone cannot be eaten?
§ Dr. CunninghamIt is not odd at all because it cannot be exported on the bone.
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)Could there be a generous word to mine host at Carfraemill and the sheriff who so dramatically acquitted him?
§ Dr. CunninghamSince the case to which my hon. Friend refers is sub judice and the subject of an appeal, I shall not comment one way or the other.
§ Mrs. Jacqui Lait (Beckenham)If, however, the law is found to be defective in Scotland, can the Minister guarantee that any English prosecutions will be withdrawn?
§ Dr. CunninghamNo, because the law in Scotland does not affect the law in England, and this case has no relevance to England.