§ Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has made to the EU Veterinary Standing Committee with regard to the lifting of the export ban on lamb and sheep meat from Scotland. [8502]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 October 2001]: Ministers and officials from DEFRA and the Scottish Executive have had extensive discussions with Commissioner Byrne's officials on this issue. Regular reports have been made to the EU Standing Veterinary Committee on progress towards eradication of foot and mouth from Great Britain. The SVC has recently agreed that exports of pigmeat may resume from certain counties from 22 October onwards. The SVC is expected to re-examine the possibility of a resumption of sheep meat exports at its 2 October meeting.