17 Dec 1999
Scottish Secretary John Reid today welcomed the return of beef-on-the-bone to restaurants across Scotland by tucking into a roast beef lunch at Glasgow's Posthouse Hotel. He was joined by Mr Brian Simpson, the Chief Executive of the Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Association.
John Reid said:
"It's good to see beef-on-the-bone back on the menu in time for Christmas. I know that the decision to lift the ban will be welcomed across Scotland and the rest of the UK by farmers, consumers and retailers.
"In dealing with the ban the UK Government had the best interests of consumers and producers at heart by relying on scientific advice from all four UK Chief Medical Officers in agreement.
Referring to the current French ban on British beef Mr Reid said:
"Scottish beef is a high quality product, renowned across the world, and it is vital that we get it, together with the rest of Britain's beef, on sale across Europe. Britain has law, science, and the rest of Europe on its side. France is legally obliged to take British beef, and we will not accept a piecemeal approach to the situation."
NOTE FOR NEWS EDITORS
The Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Association is a trade body responsible for promoting and marketing Scotch beef and lamb both here and abroad. It is funded mainly by the Meat & Livestock Commission and also receives some assistance from the Scottish Government