Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 24 August 2001 For Use: Immediately

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EFFORTS CONTINUE TO ALLOW EUROPEAN
EXPORTS FROM THE WESTERN ISLES

The multi-agency Foot and Mouth Disease Recovery Group met today to review progress in its attempt to lift the export ban on carcasses from the Western Isles. The group were encouraged to learn that the proposal was "progressing strongly" after receiving support from UK rural minister Elliot Morley.

Because of the imminent lamb marketing season the group will be pressing local MSP Alasdair Morrison and MP Calum Macdonald to stress the urgency of an immediate decision in respect of the proposal.

The group will continue to campaign vigorously to ensure all efforts are made to have the export ban for the Western Isles lifted as quickly as possible

The group also discussed the proposed lamb compensation scheme and agreed that whilst this probably had to be introduced as a last resort this should not detract from every effort being made to get the export ban lifted.

Contact Neil Macleod on 07788941397

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk