Nicholson (PPE-DE). – Mr President, Northern Ireland has a very vibrant poultry industry, which is expressing grave concern. While what has happened in Asia is unfortunate, we have to protect the European market, because it is an extremely large market for the poultry industry. I am concerned about the length of time it took the authorities in Asia to notify us of the outbreak. This is a very worrying aspect.

I have to ask the Commissioner to give serious consideration to the depth of our scrutiny of the chicken Asia is producing and exporting to Europe. There is cause for grave concern. Our producers produce chicken and broiler chicken meat of an extremely high standard for the consumers in Europe. But the standard of chicken, not only from the Far East but also from other parts of the world, is seriously questionable. We can sit back on our laurels and wait and see. Before this ban is lifted again, Commissioner, I would like your assurance that you will do everything to ensure that our veterinary inspection in the Far East where the outbreaks took place is of the highest quality, and we accept no excuses.

I would also raise the point of the import of chicken feathers. This might not look like a problem, but I am told that it is the most serious way of exporting Asian bird flu to Europe. You have to take that on board too when you deal with the chicken meat.