Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 25 September 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Isles Foot and Mouth Recovery Group Seeks First Minister's Intervention

The Western Isles Foot and Mouth Recovery Group has written to First Minister Mr. Henry Macleish seeking support for a relaxation of the European Export ban on Lambs From the Western Isles.

Representatives of the Group met with the Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr. Ross Finnie, last week to press the case for a relaxation of the European Commission ban on export carcasses from the Western Isles. They were dismayed to learn that the islands' written case, sent in July, had not been seen by the Minister.

Now the Group has appealed to the First Minister to personally intervene.

In the letter to Mr. Macleish, Group representative Cllr. Ronald Mackinnon says:
"I am sure you can understand feelings are running high in respect of this matter and the situation has been exacerbated by what is viewed throughout this community as the shabby treatment of crofters by Mr Finnie and his officials in failing to take our submission seriously."

Cllr. Mackinnon adds:
"In conclusion I would just like to reiterate that we consider the situation to be so serious that it merits your personal intervention. Unless these markets are re-established soon it will be too late. The cull of marketable animals has already begun and it may be that some of those having their animals culled will leave crofting for good. All we ask is that we are given the same opportunities as the rest of the UK, such as Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, to supply a ready market desperate to buy our unique product."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer