Committee convener Alex Johnstone MSP hopes that Sir David Carter’s appearance will help to clarify the position regarding the ongoing ban on sales of beef on the bone.

Alex Johnstone said today:

"I hope that this meeting will be able to clear up any misunderstandings which may have resulted from the recent media reports about the continuing ban of the sale of beef on the bone.

"The committee will be pursuing the interests of the agricultural community in making sure that the position is fully understood, but I recognise that the ultimate decision on lifting the ban will be taken on public health grounds which it would be wrong for us to interfere with."

The Rural Affairs Committee is established to "consider and report on matters relating to rural development, agriculture and fisheries and such other matters …"

However, as made possible by the Parliament’s Standing Orders, MSPs who are not members of the committee can take part in the committee’s meetings and activities (except voting). It is expected that members of the Parliament’s Health and Community Care Committee, which has the primary responsibility for public health, will also be present at tomorrow’s meeting.

BACKGROUND NOTES

The committee will meet at 2.00pm on Tuesday, October 5 in Committee Room 1.