991110 UK Expects Speedy End to Anglo-French Beef WarNovember 1, 1999London - Britain expects France to speedily drop its ban on British beef and Agriculture Minister Nick Brown plans to celebrate with a glass of French wine. "I hope we manage to get the beef issue resolved next week," Brown said after European Commission scientists unanimously ruled that British beef was safe. After two days of deliberation, the EU's top scientific panel rejected on Frida French evidence to back a continuing ban on British beef exports on health grounds after the mad cow disease scare. Prime Minister Tony Blair, hounded by chauvinist tabloids and a Conservative opposition scenting a populist cause, was jubilant over his victory in Europe -- but France is still not making any decision until next week. Brown said he hoped EU Health Commissioner David Byrne could arrange a meeting with him and French Agriculture Minister Jean Glavany to "resolve this speedily -- by which I mean next week." The European Union lifted its 3-1/2 year ban on British beef -- imposed in the wake of the crisis over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease -- in August. But France, citing consumer concerns and what it said was new evidence, has defied it. Brown, who personally boycotted French products as the fury of British farmers grew, said if France lifted the ban, then "I shall celebrate with a glass of good French wine with Jean Glavany." "The ball is now in the French government's court," he said. "We have the law on our side." The Sun tabloid, which had stoked the fires in an escalating Anglo-French food war, on Saturday hailed the Brussels decision and said "The French were left defeated, humiliated and in chaos." "French routed in beef battle," trumpeted The Times in its banner headline. "Having been roasted by science, the French government should eat its words," the paper said. And the opposition Conservatives would not let Blair off the hook. Agriculture spokesman Tim Yeo said: "Any further delay by the French must be met with an immediate prosecution on the part of the European Commission or unilateral legal action by the British government if the Commission prevaricates."
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