§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on the ban by EU member states on British beef; and if he will make a statement on beef exports from Wales. [19212]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansWe have written to Commissioners Fischler and Bonino explaining how the UK has fulfilled the preconditions laid down under the Florence agreement and enclosing our proposals for a UK export certified herds scheme, together with a paper setting out its scientific basis. The scheme would be the240W first step in lifting the export ban. The Government are pressing for urgent and constructive discussion of our proposals at the relevant Committees.