§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on the decision by the European Commission not to fine France for imposing an illegal ban on British beef and beef products. [81829]
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§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what efforts she has made to recover the costs to the British beef industry of the refusal of the French Government to lift its British beef import ban. [81944]
§ Mr. MorleyThe UK Government are gratified that France has at last complied with EU law and lifted its ban on British beef. Working through EU institutions was the best way to resolve this difficult issue although I regret the decision by the European Commission not to pursue the case seeking financial penalties against France. Compensation for losses must be sought by those directly affected. The UK Government intervened to support the NFU's current case to rule the ban illegal in the French courts and will support those who wish subsequently to pursue any claims.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning the decision of the European Commission not to fine the French Government for the illegal imposition of a ban on the sale of British beef in France; what measures she proposes to take to seek compensation from the French Government for the losses incurred by British farmers for the period of the illegal ban; and what other redress she proposes to make to British farmers for the damage suffered by their business for the period of the illegal ban. [82915]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government has received a number of representations on this matter.
The UK Government is gratified that France has at last complied with EU law and lifted its ban on British beef. Working through EU institutions was the best way to resolve this difficult issue although the UK Government regrets the decision by the European Commission not to pursue the case seeking penalties against France. The UK has supported the Commission throughout and believes that pressing this case would have sent a firm message to member states that no one country can avoid its obligations and responsibilities.
Compensation for losses must be sought by those directly affected. The UK Government intervened in the European Court of Justice to support the NFU's current case to rule the ban illegal in the French Courts and will support those who wish subsequently to pursue any claims.