§ Mr. Robert JacksonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions are imposed on the import of beef for processing and re-export; and what quantities of beef have been imported from France for such purposes in the last 12 months. [138777]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 17 November 2000]: The re-export of beef and beef products produced in Great Britain from imported beef is subject to the restrictions of the XAP scheme as set out in the Bovines and Bovine Products (Trade) Regulations 1999. All establishments involved in the production chain from initial import through to final re-export must be officially approved under this scheme and under official veterinary supervision. They must also have a system of tracing and segregation in place and comply with strict requirements on labelling, storage, sealing and certification.
2,722 tonnes of beef carcase meat was imported from France during the 12 months ending August 2000. However, official overseas trade statistics do not record the end use of imported goods, and data on any re-export of this beef under the XAP scheme are not available.