Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if exports of beef to the European Union have recommenced; what support she is giving to the Northern Ireland beef industry to regain their markets in Europe; and if she will make a statement about the prospects of the Northern Ireland beef industry. [40861]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyWhile the Export Certified Herds Scheme has been approved, exports of Northern Ireland beef cannot resume until the European Commission sets a date for the lifting of the ban. That will depend on the outcome of the recent visit to Northern Ireland by European Commission Inspectors.
The industry has submitted a case for Government assistance towards regaining export markets as part of an overall redmeat development strategy agreed by the relevant industry interest. The case for Government support is being considered.
The Government recognise the importance of the beef sector to the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and is aware of the serious difficulties which it has faced since March 1996. Within the context of the declining long-term trend in consumption of beef and the direction of reform of the beef regime set out by the European Commission in Agenda 2000, the Government would wish to see the Northern Ireland beef industry re-establish itself as a significant force in export markets.