EC HEALTH CHIEF'S GAFFE ON BEEF BAN

From Charles Bremner in Brussels

EMMA BONINO the European Commission's new supremo for consumer health, Landed herself in trouble with colleagues yesterday after declaring that the Commission was "not even thinking about easing the embargo on British beef exports.

Signora Bonino's comment to L Monde appeared to contradict the EU's commitment to start examining Britain's request this week to ease the embargo on beef from herds certified to be free of BSE. Embarrassed officials in the farm directorate and the office of Jacques Santer, the Commission President, said that the Italian commissoner was voicing a personal view.

Commenting on the British application, Signora Bonino told L Monde: "It is out of the question to relax this ban. To tell you the truth. we are not even thinking about the quest lion of lifting the embargo. And we will not think about it for a long time".

Her remarks, though' a clear gaffe before she takes over her new job. do reflect the depth of opposition across Europe to any moves to relax the ban, in the light of intense public hostility to such action.

Britain's application is just beginning its long journey through the committees of experts and policymakers. But deep suspicion on the Continent over British veterinary practices is nor helping London's case at the Commission.