§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the actions of the French and German Governments concerning BSE and the export of beef from Wales.
§ Mr. David Hunt[holding answer 7 June 1990]: As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food indicated in his statement to the House on 7 June, the illegal ban on British beef exports imposed by France, Germany and Italy was dealt with at a meeting of the Agriculture Council on 6 and 7 June. The Council was able to consider the latest advice from the Commission's scientific veterinary committee, which confirmed that the existing Community rules in respect of bovine spongiform encephalopathy provided full protection for public health. However, after prolonged discussions the Council agreed 343W to amend Community rules to provide certain additional guarantees. The unilateral bans imposed by certain member states were immediately lifted.