Animal Products

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition (in respect of his 'law officer' responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:33 pm on 22 September 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 2:33, 22 September 2020

I'm sorry, I must disagree with you on that. The prospect of British animals and products not being added to EU sanitary and phytosanitary lists for non-EU countries is causing some alarm. For example, 37,400 tonnes of sheep meat was exported to France, and 40,600 tonnes of beef to Ireland last year. Now, according to Nick von Westenholz of the National Farmers Union, listing should be a straightforward technical matter. Similarly, the chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association has observed that the bigger question is when third country status will be granted. Fortunately, the UK Government will be laying secondary legislation next month to clarify these listing procedures, and have commented: 'We are operating the same rules and will be at the end of the transition period. Nonetheless, there is benefit to taking precautions.' So have you had to amend preparations for the end of the transition period in light of this threat, and what detail can you provide as to the steps the Welsh Government will take should Wales not be able to sell animal products to the EU?