THE British Government is foolish and wrong to oppose a Europe-wide ban on beef produced with growth hormones says Euro MP Mike Hindley.

Britain was alone in opposing a tightening of the ban. Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Baldry had warned that it could lead to a trade war with America.

The 14 other Agricultural Ministers decided to extend the ban to additional synthetic substances and to enforce tougher penalties for offenders.

Mr Hindley, Euro MP for Lancashire South, said: "When it comes to health we should err on the side of caution.

"There are doubts about the use of hormones as growth promoters for beef.

"The Americans say it is safe but Europe says not. I believe it is better to be cautious.''

Mr Hindley said he did not believe food products should be marketed unless there was proof positive they were safe.

He added: "The British Government is over solicitous about appeasing the Americans.

"They are threatening to go to the World Trade Organisation because they claim the ban is a trade restriction.

"I say let them and let it be decided in the international arena, not by commercial reasons.

"The British government was foolish and wrong to oppose the ban. They should put health before commercial interests.''

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