§ 14. Sir Geoffrey Johnson SmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with(a) the European Commission and (b) members of the European Agriculture Council about the total lifting of the beef export ban on UK beef. [39122]
Dr. John CunninghamOn 16 March, the Agriculture Council agreed to allow exports of deboned beef and beef products from Northern Ireland under the Export Certified Herds Scheme, and we have continued to discuss proposals for a Date Based Export Scheme with the Commission, which would apply across the UK.
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§ 22. Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made on securing the lifting of the beef export ban on the basis of a date-based scheme; and if he will make a statement. [39130]
§ Mr. RookerWe are continuing to make progress with our proposals for a Date Based Export Scheme. Our officials have had productive discussions with their counterparts in the European Commission. As a result, the Commission is now preparing a draft proposal for presentation to the Standing Veterinary Committee in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Florence Agreement.