§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representation his Department has made to the European Commissioner for Agriculture about lifting the ban on the export of beef. [2526]
§ Mr. RookerMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food met Commissioner Fischler on 12 May and their discussions covered, amongst other matters, the way forward on lifting the export ban. It was stressed that the Government will respect the framework set by the Florence Agreement and work constructively with the Commission and through the European Parliament on making progress on this issue. However, it is for Madame Bonino, the Consumer Health and Food Safety Commissioner, whom my right hon. Friend also met in May, to arrange scientific consideration of the UK's proposals for an Export Certified Herd Scheme. The results of this scrutiny are expected later this month.