§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the future viability of the UK export market; when she expects actual exports of livestock and animal products to resume; and if she will make a statement. [37920]
§ Mr. MorleyIt is for industry, rather than the Government, to assess the viability of export markets, although the Government have an important role to play in helping to secure the removal of barriers to exports. Indications from the UK industry are that many traditional 945W overseas buyers are keen to resume business, although it will take time to regain and exceed the level of business (£1.37 billion in the livestock and livestock product sector) seen in 2000.
The European Commission has now lifted restrictions on exports of meat, animal products and live animals. Exports to other EU member states can thus resume and have already done so in many cases. Exports to third countries can also recommence as soon as we have received the requested confirmation from the importing countries of their import conditions. We are actively pursuing such confirmation from priority export markets.