Written Answers
Monday, 15th June 1998.
General Affairs Council, 8–9 June
asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 8–9 June. [HL2235]
See below.
GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL: 8–9 JUNE 1998
1. At the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 8–9 June, the Council took note of the EP resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted in its part-session in Strasbourg from 11–15 May, and listed in Document 8459/98, copies of which will be placed in the House Library as soon as they become available. The Council adopted the A points in Document 9125/98, with the exception of point 14, which had previously been agreed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives on 3 June. A copy of this document will also be placed in the House Library.
2. We provided a draft progress report on Agenda 2000 negotiations. Foreign Ministers agreed this should go to the Cardiff European Council as a basis for discussion. Some emphasised key national concerns.
3. The Presidency set out its programme for the Cardiff European Council.
4. The Council had a detailed discussion of the deteriorating situation in Kosovo. A declaration was agreed sending a firm message (including on the possibility of Chapter VII action in the UN Security Council) that the escalation in violence and reported ethnic cleansing would not be tolerated. A Common Position was also adopted banning new investments in Serbia, with agreement to adopt a regulation on a freeze of funds belonging to the FRY and Serbian Governments as soon as possible.
5. Separately, the Council approved a Joint Action providing financial support for the mission of the EU Special Representative to the FRY, Mr. Felipe Gonzalez. The Council also welcomed the results of the recent parliamentary elections in Montenegro and agreed to consider ways to provide further assistance to Montenegro.
6. The Council agreed an EU declaration on Bosnia, and to the establishment of a Consultative Task Force. Both are aimed at fostering peace and economic regeneration by helping Bosnia in its efforts toward a closer relationship with Europe. Ministers also held a working lunch with Bosnian Foreign Minister Prlic and Deputy Foreign Ministers Zivalj and Bozanic, representing all three ethnic communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
7. The Council agreed that the ad hoc meeting of Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers in Palermo on
3–4 June had revitalised the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. It noted that this should provide a good foundation for a successful third Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference in Stuttgart in April 1999.
8. The Council had a brief discussion of Iran. Ministers welcomed the positive report of the first exploratory meeting of the EU/Iran dialogue held in Brussels on 19 May and reaffirmed their interest in resuming substantive and comprehensive talks soon.
9. The Council issued a declaration on the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan condemning the tests; calling upon the leaders of India and Pakistan to engage urgently in dialogue on regional stability issues, including with China, and to agree confidence building measures to reduce tension; and urging India and Pakistan to take early steps to adhere to international non-proliferation regimes, including signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Council agreed that it would take all necessary measures if India and Pakistan fail to comply. Member states agreed to review the advisability of IFI lending to Pakistan. The Council asked the Commission to extend its review of India's GSP preference to Pakistan, and withdraw its earlier request to the Commission to expedite signature of an EC/Pakistan trade and co-operation agreement.
10. The Council discussed the provisions for future trade arrangements between the EU and the 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states. Discussions will continue in Coreper with a view to reaching agreement on the EU's negotiating mandate at the General Affairs Council on 29 June.
11. The Council welcomed political reforms announced by President Habibie of Indonesia and called for the release of remaining political prisoners. It looked forward to early rescheduling of the visit to East Timor by EU Troika Heads of Mission in Jakarta, and called for renewed commitment to the UN sponsored talks on East Timor.
12. The Council expressed its dismay at the hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and called on both sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume peaceful negotiations. The EU stood ready to offer assistance to this effect.
13. The inaugural Co-operation Council under the terms of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Ukraine took place in the margins of the GAC on 8–9 June. Over dinner on 8 June, Ministers had a useful exchange of views on foreign policy issues of mutual interest and EU/Ukraine relations in general. On 9 June, the Council discussed the implementation of the PCA and adopted the Rules of Procedure establishing the foundations for the future work of the Co-operation Council and committee as well as the Joint Work Programme for 1998–99.
14. The ninth Council of the European Economic Area (EEA) took place on 9 June. The Council noted with satisfaction the continued expansion of the EEA agreement to include more of the EC acquis and discussed the impact EU enlargement would have for the EEA. A political dialogue was held after the main Council session.
Sierra Leone: Mercenary Forces
asked Her Majesty's Government:What part, if any, the United States has played, or is playing, in the funding and use of mercenary forces, whether British or otherwise, in Sierra Leone. [HL2046]
Her Majesty's Government are not aware of the United States playing any part in the funding or use of mercenary forces in Sierra Leone.
asked Her Majesty's Government:What part GCHQ has played in support of mercenary forces in Sierra Leone. [HL2047]
None.
Crown Exemption From Non-Domestic Rates
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to abolish the crown exemption from non-domestic rates. [HL2266]
The Local Government and Rating Act 1997 made provision to end the Crown
| Road accident casualties on the A.3 Kingston by-pass between junctions A.308 and the A.309 in the 12 months to 31 March 1997 and the 12 months to 31 March 19981 | |||||
| 1996 | April | 4 | 1997 | April | 9 |
| May | 4 | May | 8 | ||
| June | 2 | June | 7 | ||
| July | 9 | July | 13 | ||
| August | 10 | August | 13 | ||
| September | 1 | September | 6 | ||
| October | 7 | October | 9 | ||
| November | 11 | November | 16 | ||
| December | 2 | December | 11 | ||
| 1997 | January | 4 | 1998-P | January | 6 |
| February | 8 | February | 2 | ||
| March | 2 | March | 3 | ||
| Total | 64 | Total | 103 | ||
| 1 1998 figures are provisional. | |||||
Special Areas Of Conservation: Uk Proposals
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will announce the submission of further areas to the European Commission as candidate Special Areas of Conservation. [HL2265]
A further list of UK proposals was sent to the European Commission on 12 June. This consists of 14 new candidate Special Areas of Conservation, boundary extensions to eight existing sites already submitted to the Commission as candidate
exemption from non-domestic rates in England, Wales and Scotland. We have decided to bring these provisions into force with effect from 1 April 2000. From that date, Crown property will be subject to non-domestic rates in the same way as property occupied by other ratepayers. We will make orders to commence the relevant parts of the 1997 Act in due course.
It has been government policy since the late nineteenth century that property occupied for the public service, including government departments, should make contributions in lieu of rates on the same basis as if they were rateable. Abolishing Crown exemption will give this policy a legal foundation and bring the Crown into line with other ratepayers.
A3 Kingston By-Pass: Road Accident Casualties
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many road accident casualties there have been on the A.3 Kingston by-pass between the junctions with the A.308 and the A.309 in the 12 months to 31 May 1997 and the 12 months to 31 May 1998. [HL2129]
The information requested is shown in the following table. Figures are not available for April and May 1998.SACs and the addition to further qualifying interests on one candidate SAC. We are pleased to be able to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the Natura 2000 process by announcing the submission of this further list of sites during the UK Presidency.The list of proposals sent to the Commission is as follows
| New sites | |
| Clints Quarry | England |
| River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake | England |
| Mottey Meadows | England |
| Portholme | England |
| Burnham Beeches | England |
| Denby Grange Colliery Ponds | England |
| Craven Limestone Complex | England |
| Ingleborough Complex | England |
| Isle of Portland to Studland Cliffs | England |
| Peak District Dales Woodlands | England |
| East Devon Pebblebed Heaths | England |
| River Wye/Afon Gwy | England/Wales |
| River Teifi/Afon Teifi | Wales |
| Ballochbuie | Scotland |
Boundary changes to existing sites
| |
| Peak District Dales | England |
| The Broads | England |
| The New Forest | England |
| Essex Estuaries | England |
| Fal and Helford | England |
| Plymouth Sound and Estuaries | England |
| Morecambe Bay | England |
| Solway Mosses | England |
Changes to the interest of existing site within existing boundaries
| |
| Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows | Scotland |
Mr Al Fayed
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish the reasons for refusing British citizenship to Mr. Al Fayed; and, if not, why not. [HL2128]
No decision has yet been taken on Mr. Al Fayed's application. Should it be refused, he would be informed of the reasons for such a decision.
Rough Sleeping In Westminster
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answers by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 21 April (
WA 200) and Baroness Jay of Paddington on 18 May ( WA 139), when they will take action to deal with rough sleeping and aggressive begging around Westminster Cathedral. [HL2112]
The Commissioner states that the Metropolitan Police will continue to work in partnership with other agencies to deal with the problem of rough sleeping and aggressive begging around Westminster Cathedral. An initiative in March 1998 aimed at reducing the level of anti-social behaviour in the Westminster area resulted in 70 arrests.
Social Security Expenditure Forecast
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they expect the costs of welfare (excluding the NHS and education) to continue to rise for the foreseeable future. [HL2093]
The estimated cost of social security expenditure for 1998–99 is in the 1998 Social Security Departmental Report (Cm 3913). Government spending plans for future years (1999–2000 to 2001–2002) will be published after completion of the Comprehensive Spending Review).
Interest Rate Rises: Effects
asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the effect on:
of the five increases since May 1997 prior to the increase in interest rates imposed by the Bank of England on 4 June; and [HL2164]
What effect they predict the increase in interest rates imposed by the Bank of England on 4 June will have on (a) employment; (b) the value of sterling; (c) exports; (d) industry and commerce generally. [HL2165]
The increases in interest rates since May 1997 have been necessary to curb the inflationary pressures which had started to build up before the Government took office. Low inflation is a key element of economic stability, providing the essential platform for achieving the Government's aim of high and stable levels of growth and employment. Interest rate increases slow down economic activity, but it is not possible to estimate the precise quantitative effects with any degree of certainty.
North West Region: Tax Liability
asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the total yield of income tax, local tax and value added tax within the North West Region during the past twelve months. [HL1968]
The Inland Revenue can only provide a regional breakdown of income tax liabilities, not of income tax receipts. The total income tax liability for the North West and Merseyside Government Office Region for 1995–96, the latest year for which information is available, is £7.0 billion. The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions estimate receipts of council taxes and national non-domestic rates of £1.9 billion for the North West and Merseyside Government Office Region for 1995–96. Value added tax yield on a consistent regional basis is not available.
Sandline International
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the course of their investigations into the alleged violation of Security Council Resolution 1132 by a United Kingdom-based company, Sandline International:
and whether they will place copies of these and other documents examined in the course of this inquiry in the Library of the House. [HL1760]
Customs and Excise conducted an investigation for the purpose of determining whether criminal proceedings would be appropriate. It would be inappropriate for Customs to disclose details about material gathered for that purpose.In his statement to the House of Commons on 18 May (
Official Report, Commons, cols. 598–656), the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced the investigation by Sir Thomas Legg KCB QC into allegations about government involvement with the supply of arms to Sierra Leone by UK citizens and firms. The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary intends to publish the report of the investigation.
Education Action Zones: Promoters
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish a list of applicants to establish an education action zone stating whether the leading applicant is from a local education authority or other public authority, business, commercial or voluntary sectors. [HL2158]
My honourable friend the Minister of State for School Standards wrote on 19 May to the promoters of each application asking them to contact their major partners to ascertain whether or not they would be willing to be identified. We have had some responses but a large number are still outstanding. We will publish this information as soon as a complete set of responses is available.
Class Sizes
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish their response to a report commissioned by the Local Government Association from Coopers Lybrand on the
Class-Size Pledge for five, six or seven year-olds. [HL2159]
No response is needed. The report was commissioned by the Local Government Association to provide guidance to local education authorities (LEAs) on the practical implementation of the Government's policy for reducing infant class sizes. The Government will be providing the funding required to LEAs for schools to implement the pledge. We have already allocated £22 million in revenue funding for 1998–99 and will shortly announce the allocation of a further £40 million for capital work.
School Organisation Committee Powers
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the organisation committee proposed in the School Standards and Framework Bill will have the power to initiate school organisation proposals; and, if so, whether foundation schools as admission authorities will be exempt from such proposals unless the governors of a foundation school waive such an exemption. [HL2201]
School organisation committees will not have powers to initiate school organisation proposals in respect of individual schools.
Selective School Admission Abolition: Timetable
asked Her Majesty's Government:In what timescale would a local education authority produce reorganisation plans to introduce non-selective education following a successful ballot (to end, from the date of the ballot); and in what timescale would selective education be expected to cease. [HL2160]
Clause 101 of the School Standards and Framework Bill requires that, where parents vote in favour of ending selective admissions to a grammar school or schools, the admission authorities of those schools (which may in some cases be the LEA) must bring forward revised admission arrangements within a specified timetable. The draft regulations issued for consultation on 3 June provide that, if a ballot result is announced before 31 March in any school year (school year 1), the admission authority would have to cease selective admission arrangements from the first school year after the ballot result date. This means:
- The school's admission prospectus which is published at the start of the school year following the ballot (school year 2) would have to provide for non-selective admission arrangements;
- The first pupils would then be admitted in accordance with those non-selective arrangements at the start of the next school year (school year 3).
Grant-Maintained Schools: Financial Self-Management
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the level of financial self-management enjoyed by grant-maintained schools will be at least sustained, or even increased, following a change of status under the proposals set out in the School Standards and Framework Bill. [HL2161]
The consultation paper Fair Funding: Improving Delegation to Schools, issued on 29 May 1998, proposes a new 100 per cent. delegation framework for the funding of schools by local education authorities (LEAs) in England, based on a clear distinction between functions which must be seen as the responsibility of the LEA itself, and those which should be seen as the responsibility of the schools. While recognising that LEAs will need to retain the necessary resources to carry out their essential functions, the proposals seek to maximise the level of self-management for all maintained schools. The final division of responsibilities and associated funding within the new framework will be informed by the outcome of the consultation.
Grammar School Ballots: Constituencies
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will define the geographical area within which parents of children aged 0–19 as defined under the draft regulations for grammar school ballots will be eligible to vote in a ballot to bring about the end of selective education at the following groups of schools:
- King Edward VI Aston School;
- King Edward VI Camp Hill Girls School;
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School (Boys);
- King Edward VI Five Ways School;
- King Edward VI Handsworth School;
- West Kirby Grammar School for Girls; and
- Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
The proposed ballot arrangements for these schools are set out in the draft grammar school ballot regulations issued for consultation on 3 June, a copy of which was placed in the House Library.
Children Of Service Personnel: Sen Provision
asked Her Majesty's Government:What provision is made for the Special Education Needs of children accompanying service personnel serving outside the United Kingdom. [HL2135]
Service Children's Education, SCE, an MoD agency, is responsible for the provision of education services overseas for the children of Service personnel serving outside the United Kingdom. SCE schools follow the DfEE Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs, SEN, and children with such needs are supported in mainstream classes or in Special Education Units in Germany or Cyprus. Although provision can be made for the majority of children, SCE does not maintain any special schools and cannot therefore match the full range of SEN provision available in the UK. Where necessary, the Services will arrange postings to avoid parents whose child has special needs being sent to an area where those needs cannot be met.
Gulf War Personnel: Biological Samples
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will make available to independent researchers biological samples taken from members of the Armed Forces prior to, during and after Operation Granby. [HL1822]
The Defence Medical Services regularly take biological samples from members of the Armed Forces as part of normal healthcare procedures. These are mainly required for diagnostic purposes and are retained for varying lengths of time. There is no central record of samples taken in this way. Such samples could not be used for research purposes without clearance having been obtained from the appropriate ethics committee and prior consent from the patients involved.The remains of a number of blood samples which were collected from UK Service personnel during the Gulf conflict at various stages of the anti-biological warfare agent vaccination programme are currently stored at CBD, Porton Down. These samples were analysed at the time with the aim of investigating the level of protection conferred by giving anthrax vaccine in combination with pertussis vaccine. The results of the study were given in a paper "Operation GRANBY: The effect of co-administration of the pertussis vaccine on specific antibody titre development to the anthrax vaccine in man" which was declassified and made publicly available on 28 October 1997.The process of cataloguing what remains of these samples has now been completed. Of the 263 samples which we believe to have been taken for this purpose, the remains of 224 are still preserved. One hundred and sixty-seven individuals have been positively identified as the source of 192 of these samples. A further 30–32 individuals whom we believe to be the source of the other 32 samples have yet to be positively identified. Varying amounts of information regarding sampling dates and vaccination history, including batch numbers in some instances, have also been preserved in respect of some of these samples. However, it is highly unlikely that MoD will be able to obtain further verification of any of this information.The samples clearly constitute a unique resource. Any proposals for testing them will need to be properly peer-reviewed and to obtain appropriate ethical clearances. Where the identity of the individual from whom the sample was taken is known, this process would also necessarily involve obtaining their permission for testing to proceed.The quantity of serum remaining from each of these samples varies between 4.5ml and trace levels; however, it is estimated that the majority of samples contain sufficient serum for a small number of tests to be carried out, although this would very much depend upon the tests to be performed and the laboratory procedures used.MoD is writing to Gulf veterans' representatives, including their solicitors, seeking views on a way ahead regarding the possible testing of the remains of the blood samples.
Northern Ireland: Role Of Jps
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of changing circumstances in Northern Ireland, they will consider increasing the responsibilities of justices of the peace in order to ease the strain on other departments of the judicial system. [HL2069]
The review of criminal justice referred to in the Agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations will provide an opportunity to consider the role and responsibilities of justices of the peace in Northern Ireland. The review will commence as soon as possible, and will report to the Government no later than autumn 1999.
Scotland: Education Expenditure
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Sewel on 21 May (
WA 198) on education expenditure in Scotland over the last 20 years, for the 18 years from 1979–80 to 1996–97 inclusive what was the average (a) expenditure at 1998–99 prices; (b) year-on-year increase; (c) year-on-year percentage cash increase; (d) year-on-year percentage real-terms increase. [HL2125]
The additional information is as follows:
Scotland: Secretary Of State's Special Advisers
asked Her Majesty's Government:Who are the Special Advisers to the Secretary of State for Scotland: and what are their salaries and other emoluments. [HL2117]
The Special Advisers to the Secretary of State for Scotland are Ms Wendy Alexander, Mr. Murray Elder and Mr. David Whitton. All Special Advisers are paid within a salary band which currently ranges from £24,349 to £73,484. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential. Details are not revealed in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.
Scotland: Roads Programme Review
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they hope to announce the conclusions of their review of the roads programme in Scotland. [HL2146]
We intend to issue a consultation document on a revised appraisal framework for prioritising investment decisions on the trunk road network shortly after the publication of the Scottish Integrated Transport White Paper. The review will be completed later this year, once responses to the consultation document have been considered.
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they intend to announce their decision on the line of route for the proposed M.80 extension between Stepps and Haggs. [HL2147]
Proposals to improve the M.80 between Stepps and Haggs are subject to the strategic review of trunk roads, which is due for completion later this year. No decision on the preferred line for the route will be taken until the conclusions of the review are known.
Aberdeen By-Pass: Representations
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their policy in connection with the construction of a new road linking the A.90 with the A.96 at Aberdeen; and [HL2144]What representations have been received in support of an Aberdeen by-pass linking the A.90 with the A.96. [HL2145]
The Government have received several representations on the issue of an Aberdeen by-pass linking the A.96 and A.90. Some have expressed support and others opposition to the proposal.Responsibility for the link, which is not a trunk route, rests with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils.
Law Officers: Appearances As Counsel
asked Her Majesty's Government:On how many occasions since 1 June 1997 (a) the Attorney General or (b) the Solicitor General appeared as counsel in court, specifying the names of the cause and the court. [HL2183]
The Attorney General has appeared as counsel in Ahmed v United Kingdom in the European Court of Human Rights.I have appeared as counsel in
R v Secretary of State for Transport ex parte Factortame in the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal; in R v Customs and Excise ex parte Shepherd Neame in the Divisional Court; in Attorney General v Blake in the Court of Appeal; and in R v Lord Chancellor ex parte B in the Divisional Court.
Fisheries Council, 8 June
Fisheries Council, 8 June
asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on 8 June. [HL2236]
We chaired the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on 8 June. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Morley, represented the United Kingdom together with my noble friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office, Lord Sewel.The Council agreed by qualified majority, with France and Ireland voting against and Italy abstaining, a ban on high seas drift nets. The use of drift nets to catch tuna and swordfish will be phased out by 31 December 2001. The UK favoured a shorter phase-out but several delegations were sympathetic to arguments for a longer one. The compromise of 3½ years secured the necessary qualified majority and was accompanied by a commitment that in 1998 the number of vessels licensed to fish with drift nets in each member state will be at least 40 per cent. below the number that fished in 1995, 1996 or 1997 in that member state. In a joint statement, the Council and Commission agreed to decide before the end of 1998 on compensatory measures to help fishermen adapt to the ending of the drift net fishery.The Commission proposal on drift nets has been on the Council's table since 1994. The UK Presidency made it a priority to reach an agreement in order to protect dolphins in particular and I am delighted that, after a long and hard negotiation, this has now been achieved.The European Commission introduced a proposal to strengthen fisheries monitoring, inspection and surveillance, together with an action plan for further improving enforcement under the common fisheries policy over the next two to three years. In an orientation debate, the UK welcomed the prospect of more effective and consistent enforcement and called for an annual report from the Commission to enable the Council to review progress. We concluded that there was agreement that the Commission's proposal addressed key areas where enforcement can be enhanced and a decision should be taken at the Council's next meeting in October. The action plan will be used as a framework for improving control standards.There was also an orientation debate on a communication from the Commission on options for the future of the Community's fisheries market regime. In a wide ranging discussion, delegations, including the UK, generally shared the Commission's view that it is important to maximise the value of scarce fish resources, maintain competitive catching and processing industries in an increasingly global market and take account of consumers' concerns. Many delegations agreed that changes to both the internal and international aspects of the current market organisations are called for. The Commission will now take account of the points made in drawing up detailed proposals for consideration by the Council.The Council considered a communication from the Commission reporting on steps taken to follow up discussions by North Sea Ministers at a meeting in Bergen in 1997. The Council unanimously agreed conclusions stressing the importance of integrating fisheries and environmental policies and of making further progress in implementing the Bergen commitments. It also invited the Commission to provide a full report on further progress next year.The European Commission reported on preparations being made for the review of the common fisheries policy in 2002.The Council had a preliminary discussion of the implications for fisheries of the reform of the structural funds under Agenda 2000.The Council also adopted a decision providing for ratification by member states and the Community of the UN Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Species. This will in due course add the 15 EU member states to the list of countries which have ratified the agreement. It will become law when 30 countries have ratified.
Fishing Prohibitions
asked Her Majesty's Government:In which seas or in which areas of oceans fishing needs to be prohibited in order to ensure that viable levels of relevant fish stocks may survive for future food supply. [HL2151]
Different types of fishing are restricted or prohibited in many areas of the world's seas in order to conserve fish stocks. However, there are no total prohibitions on fishing in order to protect stocks in UK waters.
Total prohibitions in certain areas could benefit fish stocks if they were sufficiently large and well targeted, if they could be effectively enforced and if they were not undermined by an increase of fishing effort in other areas. The idea is under current consideration by fishing interests and fisheries scientists in this country and internationally.
Beef Export Ban: Legality
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the European Union is legally empowered to prohibit British beef exports to countries outside the European Union. [HL2061]
The Government challenged the European Union's export ban on UK beef in the European Court of Justice. On 5 May 1998 the Court upheld the validity of the export ban, including the ban on exports to third countries.
Cattle Tracing System: Launch Date
asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect that a computerised cattle tracing scheme, similar to that in operation in Northern Ireland, will be available in Great Britain; and whether they are able to assist in bringing forward the likely start date. [HL2070]
As my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 20 April, the computerised cattle tracing system for Great Britain will be launched on 28 September 1998. Plans for the launch are well under way. The time remaining is needed to complete testing of the computer and other equipment, and to train staff. We do not anticipate that the launch will be advanced.