§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions she has had with the European Commission and the Standing Veterinary Committee concerning lifting the ban on the export of live cattle; and if she will make a statement regarding the ban on the export of live cattle;
(2) what plans her Department has to exempt highland cattle from the current ban on the export of live cattle;
(3) what representations she has received regarding the ban on the export of cattle; what analysis her Department has carried out as to the effects of the ban on the industry in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe export of live cattle over six months of age from the United Kingdom to other member states is prohibited under European Commission decision 89/469/ EEC. This is because of the position on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The EC Scientific Veterinary Committee in conducting a scientific evaluation of BSE in September 1993 endorsed the Community control measures on BSE. There has been no change in this position.
Officials attend the monthly meetings of the animal health standing veterinary committee in Brussels at which regular updates on the BSE situation in the United Kingdom are given. There has been no discussion recently about the lifting of the ban on the export of live cattle for breeding from the United Kingdom and the exemption of certain breeds from the restrictions. This would be a matter for consideration initially by the European Commission who are keeping the position under review and are aware of the improving disease situation in the United Kingdom. Several representations have been received on this subject and are being considered in the light of the present situation on BSE in the European Union.