Technical advisers from both countries and the European Union will meet on Friday for discussions to break the deadlock over France's ban on British beef.

The BBC's John Sergeant: "If it's not resolved the government's critics will have a field day"

Mr Brown's French counterpart, Jean Glavany, wants reassurance on five key points, including controls, labelling, the traceability of British cattle, testing for BSE and a fresh look at products derived from beef.

But the outcome of Tuesday's meeting in Brussels is being seen as a concession to Paris, just days after EU scientists comprehensively rejected French claims that British beef is still a health risk.

Tory agriculture spokesman Tim Yeo accused Mr Brown of playing a strong hand weakly.

Nick Brown: "Nobody has given in to the French"

But the agriculture minister insisted he had done the right thing, saying it would be a matter of days before the blockade on British beef was lifted.

"Nobody has given in to the French," he added.

BBC News' Jon Sopel reports on the view from France

"We have not agreed to reopen the debate about the date based export scheme.

"The science that underpins the scheme is sound that was confirmed by the European Union's advisors last Friday.

Nick Brown: "The scheme is underpinned by science"

"We are implementing the scheme correctly in this country. Our beef, as the committee found last Friday, is as safe as any in Europe."

Mr Brown said the UK had not agreed to new tests on beef but, instead, had asked technical advisers to take part in the discussions on the date based export scheme.

The scheme was introduced after the BSE crisis and was part of the package of measures that led to the EU lifting the original ban on British beef in August.

Nick Brown: "This is a matter of days"

The agriculture minister said if the outcome of Friday's discussions meant the issue still went to court then the UK would persevere.

But forcing France to lift the ban through a legal challenge could take months or years, he warned.

The EU ban on British beef was lifted in August

Mr Brown explained: "The reason we are doing this is to try to get an early resolution of the quarrel with France.

"We either discuss a way forward with the French and get an early resolution to this dispute or we enforce our rights through law which will take time.

"Both the French, the Commission, and ourselves as well of course, realise this is a matter of days not weeks or months."

Professor Jim Bridges, a member of the European scientific steering committee, explains why the French want more checks

But Conservative agriculture spokesman Tim Yeo said: "It is a serious setback for Nick Brown whom I'm afraid has been exposed as playing a strong hand very weakly.