§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with(a) the Scottish NFU and (b) NFU Wales on the potential effects of the ban on the export of lamb as proposed by the French Government. [71676]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 22 July 2002]: The Government are very well aware of concerns about the potentially serious effects of proposed French measures on sheep SRM in relation to the Scottish and Welsh sheep industries. Not least as a result of representations from the NFU, the MLC and from officials in the devolved Administrations who have been assiduous in representing the concerns of their stakeholders.
Both Ministers and officials are continuing to emphasise to the French authorities the very considerable importance of complying with EU rules on sheep SRM. We are also in touch with the European Commission about this issue.
The Government will continue to argue strongly for the cancellation of the French proposals banning spinal cords of animals aged between six and 12 months, which provide no significant consumer protection benefit and are widely regarded as a disproportionate measure. Any further restrictions on sheep SRM must be agreed at Community level, not imposed unilaterally by member states. That is the way to maintain consumer confidence across Europe. It also ensures a level playing field for all member states regarding trade.
937WNonetheless, there is encouragement in France's recent decision to postpone these measures for six months. This shows that our arguments are having an effect.