§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable she has set for the resumption of unrestricted beef exports to the EU when BSE cases in the UK have fallen to below the moderate risk status threshold. [133858]
§ Mr. BradshawIt is not possible to give a precise date for any such relaxation of current beef export controls. We have submitted papers to the European Commission to support our case for lifting restrictions and these are now being considered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA's opinion is expected in early 2004. In addition an inspection by the EU Food and Veterinary Office is likely to be required. We would then need agreement with other member states and changes to EU regulations. Export controls are therefore unlikely to change before mid 2004.
§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets have been set for the introduction of(a) beef from cattle born after August 1996 onto the UK market from 24 April 2004 and (b) moderate risk status beef onto the UK market before autumn 2004; and if she will make a statement on progress towards these targets. [133859]
§ Mr. BradshawMinisters are currently considering Food Standard's Agency recommendations on changes to the Over Thirty Month rule. Beef from over thirty month cattle born after August 1996 will not therefore be allowed onto the UK market before April 2004.
We have worked closely with the Meat and Livestock Commission to examine how the domestic market can absorb the extra beef from cattle born after 1 August 1996 and the balanced view of the industry is that this can be achieved by import substitution and increases in processed product consumption. We are also pressing the commission to introduce market support arrangements should there be a short term need.
162WWith regards to moderate risk status, the commission has sought advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on amending the Date-based Export Scheme (DBES) for UK beef and our methodology of scaling up testing results to support our claim that export restrictions should be lifted so that the UK can trade on the same basis as other member states. An EFSA opinion is expected in early 2004.
§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with the United States Department of Agriculture on United Kingdom beef exports. [133982]
§ Mr. BradshawWe lobbied the United States Department of Agriculture in October 2002, in collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as part of a wider lobbying strategy of third countries to lift their bans on UK beef exports. Plans for further such lobbying are kept under continuing review in the light of developments with the associated EU rules.