§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote the sale of beef to non-EU countries. [107562]
§ Ms QuinI am currently leading efforts to persuade the Governments of those countries that the trade have identified as key potential markets, to lift restrictions on the import of British beef. The programme includes direct approaches to these administrations by our local Posts, and continuing liaison between veterinary authorities; Ministers on visits abroad are briefed to raise the issue as appropriate and similar opportunities are identified when Ministers for relevant countries are in the UK. I am also in touch with their relevant overseas representatives in London.
Furthermore, promotion of British meat generally at home and abroad is the responsibility of the Meat and Livestock Commission. The Department routinely works with them and other interested organisations to try to open 290W up new (and expand existing) markets and to promote exports via trade fairs and other events world wide. A number of such events are planned.