FRENCH BAN ON BRITISH BEEF

Early day motion 174, tabled 8 December 1999 by Paul Marsden (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House unreservedly condemns the decision by the French Cabinet to continue the ban on British beef which is the safest beef in the world; notes that it is a purely political decision and follows the French scientists' decision not to support the continuation of the ban following the British Government's clarifications and assurances on the safety and traceability of British beef; congratulates the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture on their determined efforts to end the ban which was imposed in 1996 under the last Tory administration following the BSE crisis; and calls on the Government urgently to press the European Commission to deliver an ultimatum to the French Government to lift the ban or face expeditious court action.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 3, Conservative 1, UKUP 1.