2.55 p.m.
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support is being given to the request of the Government of Botswana to the Commission of the European Communities to allow the resumption of beef exports from Botswana to the EEC.
My Lords, the Government will continue to support the Botswanan authorities in the proposals which they are making to the European Communities for the resumption of exports of beef to member states, provided that adequate animal health safeguards are maintained.
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the Botswana Government are taking the strictest precautions to prevent foot and mouth disease in their country, that this has been possible as a result of the ending of the UDI situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe, and that the export of beef from Botswana to other countries, particularly to the EEC, is of the greatest importance to the whole of the economy of that country?
I am aware of those facts, my Lords. It is for Botswana to negotiate with the EEC over this issue. I understand that, in the latest way in which their proposals have been made, they are likely to be adequate. But I can only assure my noble friend that this will be discussed after Easter by the Standing Veterinary Committee of the Commission.
My Lords, can we say how much the House appreciates the fact that Her Majesty's Government will do everything they can to support the Botswana Government, as this is a matter which is absolutely vital to them?
My Lords, I understand that and I am grateful to the noble Baroness for having made the point. I can say that the reason why there was a cancellation was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, of a variety called SAT 1, not at the moment applicable in Europe; and it is appropriate that the most stringent regulations are applied in order to ensure that Europe does not get that variety as well as the others.