Similarly, the effect of the Dioxin Crisis on the Belgian markets persuaded the Commission to allow the Belgian authorities to introduce unique state aids to deal with that crisis.

Recently, Belgium secured European Union approval for the help that it has given to its pig farmers in the wake of the Dioxin Crisis, and I hope that Britain will be able to do the same.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain the difference between paying public compensation for specified offal removal in pig abattoirs, which costs about £5 per pig and is done on a public health basis, and the compensation that Belgian farmers got for the Dioxin Crisis?

Commissioner Byrne updated the Council on progress on dealing with the Recent Dioxin Crisis, including his plans to improve the controls of feed.

Commissioner Byrne updated the Council on developments in response to last summer's Dioxin Crisis and on the Commission's plans in relation to food safety.