Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 December 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 11 January 1999 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 procedures are in place to ensure that EU inspectors visit the United Kingdom to complete the Date Based Export Scheme Agreement.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures are in place to ensure that EU inspectors visit the United Kingdom to complete the Date Based Export Scheme Agreement. [64495] Mr. Rooker: Commission Decision 98/692/EC on the Date-based Export Scheme (DBES) requires the European Commission to carry out an inspection of the UK's procedures for implementing the provisions of the Scheme and progress with the offspring cull. If they are satisfied they will then set a date from which exports under the Scheme can begin. The Decision requires us first to have slaughtered offspring of BSE cases confirmed before 25 November 1998 (the date of adoption of the Decision). We have laid before Parliament the necessary legislation for the offspring cull and aim to have fulfilled the Decision requirement by the end of March.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 64495; 323 c122W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Cattle Inspections Exports EU law Disease control BSE Beef Export certified herds scheme