§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) fines and (b) compensation have been paid by the French Government for banning British beef; and if he will make a statement. [90462]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
The European Commission withdrew its case in the European Court of Justice seeking a daily fine on France after France lifted its ban. Therefore, no fines were payable, but the Commission asked the Court to order that costs of the case be borne by France. The UK Government regrets the decision by the European Commission not to pursue the case for 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 768W current case to rule the ban illegal in the French courts and will support those who wish subsequently to pursue any claims.