§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the prospects for exporting beef produced in Wales. [45884]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe European Commission has issued a proposal for a UK Date Based Export Scheme for the export of meat from animals born after 1 August 1996. The proposal will now be considered by the Standing Veterinary Committee.
This is a key step towards lifting the export ban throughout the UK. But there are tough negotiations to come. The Government are working hard for a scheme which fits the scientific advice and permits real trade to resume as rapidly as possible.