Allister presses for beef exports with EU Commissioner

13 December 2005

Jim Allister MEP has today met with the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection Markos Kyprianou.  During the meeting Jim Allister pressed the need for beef exports at the earliest opportunity. 

Following the meeting Jim Allister commented, “I had a useful meeting with the Commissioner today and briefed him on the need for the removal of the beef export ban at the earliest opportunity for the Northern Ireland livestock industry.

“It was evident from the Commissioner that he was happy with the BSE testing regime that was now in place for beef coming from the UK.  He did however state that it could be the end of March 2006 before the issue is put in front of Member States for approval.”

“I have asked the Commissioner to ensure that the time table is speeded up so that the beef ban can be removed early in the New Year.  With the Over Thirty Month Scheme being removed in January I have concern that there will be a significant increase in the amount of beef coming unto the UK domestic market.  It is vital that the timescale between the OTM scheme being removed and the export ban being lifted is kept to a minimum.  I will be looking for further meetings with key officials over the coming weeks to pursue the beef export case for the Northern Ireland livestock industry.”

“I have concerns that some Member States might be permitting political and commercial interests to influence what should be a public health based decision.  It is vital that the UK Government lobby vigorously to ensure that this does not happen;” concluded Jim Allister.   

Agriculture and Environment