Fischler braves lion’s den

Date: 09/05/1996

Now we know why Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler was so happy and willing to reveal his liking for British beef - he had already signed up for a high-profile diary date with the cream of the UK farming society.

On 1 July, Fischler is guest of honour at the premier agricultural event in the British calendar, the Royal Show.

By then, of course, the great beef controversy may be over, but, the way things are going, probably not.

In case it isn't, Fischler can at least claim that he has been standing up to beef's critics by openly declaring that there is no medical reason not to eat the stuff.

That should prevent him being lynched at the event, although there is no doubt that Fischler is still seen by many as the black sheep over cows.

So why was he invited? When the invitation went out, the BSE/CJD drama was just a twinkle in a British government minister's eye.

A spokesman for the event's organisers, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, was keen to stress that Fischler was chosen to be the star attraction “long before the current problems”.

If anyone has been having second thoughts, no one is admitting it. “As far as we are concerned, it's positive that he's coming. It's better for him to be there because all the representatives of UK agriculture will be present, rather than to snub him and get nothing out of him. Hopefully, everyone there will be able to talk to Mr Fischler.”

Prepare for a long day, Commissioner...