Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 20 September 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Export Ban Meeting

A delegation of crofters led by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Morrison met with Rural Affairs Minister Ross Finnie in Edinburgh today.

Speaking on behalf of the Western isles Foot and Mouth Recovery Group Councillor Ronald Mackinnon said:

"We were delighted to get a meeting with the Minister. But we were absolutely dismayed that he had never seen, nor had any knowledge of a paper we sent to him three months ago (9th July). That paper was written by crofters and informed by island vets. It clearly and logically stated the case for a derogation that would allow our lamb to be sold in European markets we know are looking for our produce.

"It is an absolute disgrace that his officials have not presented our proposlas to the Minister. This shabby treatment of crofters only supports our view that Mr. Finnie and his officials care only for farmers and the National Farmers' Union.

"This is either an example of staggering incompetence or contempt for the crofting communities of the Western Isles. We simply could not believe that a Minister did not have any knowledge of a letter we sent to him three months ago. We now urge him to represent the interests of every rural community in Scotland and make a parallel case for the Western isles when he next meets with the European Commission.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer