FRANCE'S decision to ignore the European Union legislation lifting the ban on British beef exports is causing growing anger in Britain, not just among farmers, but the wider public.

As the NFU's county chairman for Cheshire, I am determined to raise awareness of the frustration being felt by our farmers and the public of the county at the French Government's decision to continue with its illegal ban on British beef.

British farmers have implemented every regulation demanded of them and the European Commission has inspected and approved all the measures put in place in Britain and agreed that exports should re-start from August 1 - National British Beef Day.

May I, through your letters column, urge your readers to write to their local MEPs to express their anger and concern about France's illegal ban and call for the French Government to honour the lifting of the beef ban.

Ask your MEP to ensure the European Commission makes sure the law is upheld. Please also insist your MP gets the message that we want the British Government to take the firmest possible action to ensure that the law is upheld.

While French illegal action continues, I would also urge the British public to let their retailers know that they will not be buying French produce and back British farmers by buying British.

This unjust ban on British beef exports is a farce - but no laughing matter for the country's hard-pressed farmers.

KEN OLIVER

Cheshire County Branch Chairman, National Farmers Union.

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