HC Deb 04 June 1998 vol 313 cc339-40W
20. Mrs. Lait

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in lifting the EU ban on exports of British beef; [42741]

24. Ms Ward

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress towards lifting the ban on British beef. [42745]

Mr. Rooker

We expect the Commission to set a date next week for the resumption of exports from Northern Ireland under the Export Certified Herds Scheme.

Following constructive discussions with Commission officials the Commission are now preparing their proposal for a Date Based Export Scheme, which would permit the export of beef and beef products from animals born after 1 August 1996. 1 hope that the proposal will be discussed in the Standing Veterinary Committee in June.