Apple export report to be released at 6pm

A report which could clear the way for New Zealand apple exports to Australia has been handed to the Government.

Biosecurity Australia's risk analysis report was given to Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton by Australian High Commissioner Allan Hawke this afternoon, and will be released at 6pm.

New Zealand apples have been banned by Australia since 1921 because of claims they could carry fireblight, a tree disease that has not been reported in Australia.

That is disputed by New Zealand, and the report is a scientific examination of the risk. New Zealand made a submission to the investigation.

Mr Anderton said he did not know what was in the report. "I'm hopeful we can say some positive things in the next two or three hours," he told reporters.

- NZPA