§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken in the last three months to assist the trade in tallow; and if he will make a statement. [21956]
§ Mr. RookerCommission Decision 96/239 (as amended) set out conditions which must be met in order for the resumption of tallow exports. These requirements were implemented in the UK in March 1997, and the first plants meeting these conditions were registered in August. During the last three months, the registered plants have continued to be inspected weekly to ensure that the conditions set out in the legislation continue to be observed. A list of the plants was sent to the Commission on 23 October 1997 with a formal request that they undertake the inspections required by the Decision. We are currently awaiting a response.
Following the inspections, the Commission will put the matter to the EC's Standing Veterinary Committee who must then set a date for the resumption of tallow exports. However, the Standing Veterinary Committee has discussed a proposal to revoke and replace Commission Decision 96/239. These discussions may delay their consideration of a proposal to allow the resumption of exports of tallow from the UK.