Cunningham "disappointed"

Cunningham Denies Slap in the Face Over EU Beef Ban

Dr Cunningham described their assessment as "disappointing" and told the House of Commons, in a written answer, that "We are already considering very carefully the points made and will give them a detailed technical response very quickly."

Plans for lifting the export ban, involving the so-called "certified herd scheme" for mainly grass-fed animals, was submitted by the previous Conservative Government.

But the EU's Scientific Veterinary Committee yesterday rejected the package "because the scientific rationale and the information provided was insufficient".

Dr Cunningham said the EU committee had suggested "that changes needed to be made to the UK proposals before they would be acceptable. "It is disappointing that the Scientific Veterinary Committee has asked for further clarification when they did not take up our offer to send an expert to explain our proposals at a earlier stage."

"We are not surprised that they have some criticisms. We recognise that all consumers will be anxious to have full assurances in line with sound scientific assessments of risk.

"At the same time we will press for the removal of the ban where those assurances can be given. I will keep the House fully informed on developments."

The Conservative Euro-sceptic Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend E), who tabled the emergency question, pressed Dr Cunningham saying, "Hasn't the time come for the Government to impose restrictions on imports from nations whose standards of safety are lower than our own?

"Will you endeavour to persuade your colleagues in Europe that the real problem that needs facing is the appalling over-production of beef in Europe, which costs the taxpayer a fortune and produces no benefit to anyone?"

Dr Cunningham replied, "I never anticipated that I would be able to undo in five weeks all the disastrous misjudgments of the previous Government over five years.

"So I don't regard this as a slap in the face." The Minister insisted, "There is no row going on about this. It's perfectly reasonable for what is an independent scientific committee to raise some questions about some important matters. We shall do our best to answer them fully and quickly."