Meat: USA
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US meat imports on trends in the level of UK farmers (a) lowering animal welfare standards or (b) ceasing trading.
Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander
We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate.
The deal does not change Britain’s high animal welfare and environmental standards. Imports of hormone treated beef or chlorinated chicken remain illegal. Our approach to this trade deal has ensured that agricultural imports coming into the UK meet the highest food standards.
This is a major opportunity for British farmers to increase their exports to the world's largest consumer market, helping them to grow their businesses.
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