newsdesk@bordernet.co.uk
Monday 2nd November, 1998
newsdesk@bordernet.co.uk
Monday 2nd November, 1998
BACKGROUND | EVIDENCE | A COSTLY SAGA | SUPPORT
Borders Hotelier Jim Sutherland is accused of contravening the Beef Bones Regulations 1997. His initial victory over the Minister of Agriculture in Selkirk Sheriff Court was recently overturned by the High Court in Edinburgh.
He has been holding what is, in effect, a judicial review within the confines of a criminal prosecution. Four visits to the Sheriff Court and three to the high court are expected. Eventually the case may come before the European Court of Human Rights, and Jim Sutherland remains confident of victory even before then.
The court proceedings come against a background of decline in UK BSE infection. In Britain, we only eat beef which comes from animals under thirty months of age, and there has been a constant, predicted decline of BSE incidence since its peak in 1993.
SEAC, the Spongiform Encaphalopathy Advisory Committee, predicts that there will be no infected animals after the end of this year. The majority of our beef consumption is of cattle under twenty four months old. Scientific evidence suggests that these animals are already free from the disease.
Voices within the British beef industry believe that the United Kingdom Governmant has done them a great injustice. They have isolated themselves from many leading figures in the scientific community.
For as long as the Government give the impression that British beef is unsafe, it will be difficult for him to convince other European Governments to accept it. Farmers in Scotland, and across Britain, are struggling to make a living, with calves sold for less than the price of a high street burger meal.
This affair has also been an expensive struggle for Jim Sutherland personally. In Scotland, unlike England, costs will not be awarded to him in the event of his winning his legal struggle. The Carfraemill Warchest has been established to help with his fees, which are estimated to rise to £35,000. It is thought that the UK tax payer will be out of pocket by a six figure sum before the matter is resolved.
Existing supports of Jim Sutherland's crusade have already donated £8,000 towards the £20,000 legal bills he has already incurred. It is likely that he will spend another £15,000. Further donations are gratefully received at:
Carfraemill Warchest
Lauder
Berwickshire
TD2 6RA
1998-11-02
e-mail: newsdesk@bordernet.co.uk