To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if SEAC terms of reference include the power to recommend a ban on beef imports into the United Kingdom. [2202]

SEAC's terms of reference permit it to advise the Government on all matters concerned with spongiform encephalopathies. As such it is able to make whatever recommendations it regards as appropriate to safeguard public or animal health.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the absence of any variation in the beef ban, he will consider banning all imports of beef into the United Kingdom. [2203]

No. I would however refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 5 June, Official Report, columns 227–28.