HC Deb 12 January 1998 vol 304 c82W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to ensure that the export ban on Northern Ireland produced beef is removed. [21628]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The Government have had exhaustive discussions with the European Commission over the last few months on the Export Certified Herd Scheme (ECHS). We have offered changes to meet all the main points of concern.

We are hopeful that the Commission will put a proposal on ECHS to the Standing Veterinary Committee on 14–15 January.

The Government are also in discussion with the Commission on the proposals on the Date Based Scheme which was submitted to the Commission in October. We are pursuing this Scheme with just as much urgency as the Certified Herd Scheme.