§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to resume the export trade in live pigs, pigmeat and sheepmeat. [HL408]
§ Lord WhittyFollowing the confirmation of foot and mouth disease in the UK in February, the EU Commission immediately restricted the export of susceptible livestock and animal products from the UK. The UK's foot and mouth disease situation is regularly reviewed by the EU's Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) which agreed to lift export restrictions from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man from 7 June. At the meeting on 10/11 July, the SVC agreed to extend the current trade restrictions applying to Great Britain until 30 September 2001 but to review the situation on 11/12 September. The restrictions which currently apply are set out in Commission Decision 2001/356/EC as amended.
In considering whether to lift these trade restrictions, the EU Commission will take into account the recommendations of the Office International des Epizooties, the international animal health organisation.