This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Lifting of beef ban
23/12/2005
The European export ban on Scottish beef could be lifted by April according to a new timetable set out by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) at the European Commission this week.
The issue will be raised at January's SCoFCAH with the intention of reaching a decision on the ban in February. According to this timetable, subject to the usual formalities, the ban would be lifted in early April.
Agriculture Minister Ross Finnie said:
"Ministers continue to press the case for lifting the export ban and did so again with Commissioner Kyprianou at this week's Agriculture Council.
"I warmly welcome this latest confirmation on timing. I recognise that there remain uncertainties in the process including the need to address residual concerns of certain key Member States, although this is in hand.
"I look forward to the day when Scotch beef resumes its rightful place in overseas markets."
Scottish and UK Ministers have been in regular dialogue with the Commission and Member States pressing the UK's case to bring forward a proposal to lift the beef export ban at the first available opportunity.
Following Ministerial contacts with Commissioner Kyprianou the UK provided the Commission with further information to answer points raised by Member States.