§ Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for a new initiative to secure the lifting of the beef export ban. [7711]
Dr. John CunninghamThe Government has decided to adopt a twin-track approach of pursuing a revised Export Certified Herds Scheme, and developing a new proposal for a date-based export scheme. We have put our ideas to the Commission about both schemes, and will press both with equal vigour.
The Export Certified Herds Scheme is being revised taking account of criticisms made earlier by the EU Scientific Veterinary Committee. Eligibility for the scheme would be more restricted than initially proposed, but it would still be open in principle to producers in all parts of the United Kingdom.
408WDetails of the date-based scheme will be announced when exploratory talks with the Commission have progressed and the Government is ready to put forward a formal proposal.