THE British government last night decided to put the beef cull on hold in the light of recent new scientific evidence. The selective slaughter had been agreed by Britain last June in a deal aimed at ending the BSE crisis.
Downing Street said in a statement: "The new scientific evidence means that further work is needed on appropriate culling strategies. For the present the government is not proceeding with the selective cull but will return to cull options in the light of the developing science and of discussions on the certified herds scheme."
A spokesman said that the decision was not "a departure from the Florence framework which states that the UK eradication plan `shall be adapted if necessary in the light of scientific and epidemiological developments'."
However, the former prime minister, Sir Edward Heath, commented: "It will be interpreted widely that the British government reached an agreement at Florence and has now overthrown that agreement unilaterally. That is very bad for us, because it destroys all trust in the British word."
The mood is now bound to be soured for the meeting of EU farm ministers in Killarney this weekend at which Britain will be represented by Mr Douglas Hogg.
The Downing Street statement said the government "remains committed to taking decisions on the basis of public health and objective scientific criteria as agreed at Florence. The new scientific evidence now available means that further work is needed on appropriate culling strategies. The Commission's decision yesterday to seek the advice of its multi-disciplinary committee will contribute to this re-evaluation.
"The Government intends to consult further with the Commission on proposals for relaxing export restrictions for animals from certified and other herds which have had no contact with BSE.
"Ministers noted that the specialist beef industry has been very hard hit over the last six months, and that a further package of assistance for the industry is being considered by the European Commission on which the government will seek early agreement in the Agriculture Council.
"Meantime, the government considers it right to provide significant new aids for the specialist beef sector in the United Kingdom. Accordingly, an additional £60 million will be provided in respect of cattle in the hills through the 1997 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance scheme."
Meanwhile, Mr John Major appears to have rejected a plea for special status" far Northern Ireland beef and to be insisting that the BSE crisis be dealt with "in a United Kingdom context".
The Rev Ian Paisley last night said he had received "no encouragement" from yesterday's meeting with the Prime Minister, attended also by the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, his colleague Mr William Ross MP, and the SDLP MP Mr Eddie McGrady.