Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 15 December 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what assessment he has made of the quality of the meat imported into the United Kingdom from (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia; how the regulations applying to meat from these countries differ from those applying to British beef.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the quality of the meat imported into the United Kingdom from (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) the Netherlands, (c) France, (d) Botswana, (e) Namibia and (f) Australia; how the regulations applying to meat from these countries differ from those applying to British beef; and if he will make a statement. [20394] Mr. Rooker: All fresh meat produced in the UK and imported into the UK from other EU Member States must be produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules laid down in Council Directive 64/433/EEC. Fresh meat imported from third countries must come only from approved establishments in countries which are authorised by the European Commission to export to the Community, which include Botswana, Namibia and Australia. These controls are designed to ensure that the meat satisfies health requirements equivalent to those applying within the Community.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20394; 303 c63-4W;303 c63W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Australia Disease control Imports France Namibia Republic of Ireland BSE Beef Netherlands Botswana