§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has had from the Irish Government concerning the import of contaminated beef.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIrish veterinary authorities have now confirmed that they have reviewed procedures at the Republic's export-approved meat plants and are satisfied that Community rules are being observed. In addition, they have issued instructions to veterinary inspection staff that in future all carcases exported to the United Kingdom should be from good quality cows and should be able to withstand a journey of three to four days and the temperature fluctuations which occur when parts of a consignment are unloaded at different destinations.
I welcome those assurances. The Irish Government are as anxious as we are that consignments of meat from the Republic should reach their destinations in the United Kingdom in first class condition.