HC Deb 19 March 2002 vol 382 cc256-7W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has made to(a) the European Commission and (b) the French Government concerning beef exports to France; and if she will make a statement. [43034]

Margaret Beckett

[holding answer 14 March 2002]: I made representations to both Commissioner Byrne and the then French Agriculture Minister during recent Agricultural Councils, making it clear that we expect France to lift its ban as soon as possible. I also raised this issue with the new French Agriculture Minister during the Agricultural Council on 18 and 19 March.

We are confident the Commission will take the appropriate legal measures against the French if they continue to refuse to comply with the European Court of Justice Judgment.