THE decision by fast food chain McDonald's to end its 15-month-old ban on British beef was yesterday hailed as a major boost for the Scottish beef industry.

Labour claimed it as its first victory in the battle to restore confidence in British beef.

The move marks a breakthrough in the bid to resolve the crisis which followed claims that the human brain disease CJD could be caught from eating BSE infected meat.

Scottish NFU president Sandy Mole said of the McDonald's decision: ''We are delighted they have acknowledged the case for putting our beef back on the menu.

''Scotch beef is renowned the world over. So, with domestic sourcing McDonald's customers can look forward to a better eating experience. I hope this show of support for our beef will prompt other beef buyers to do the same.''

But leading microbiologist Professor Richard Lacey - the first scientist to warn of a BSE danger for humans - claimed the American giant's decision was motivated by profit margins rather than public safety.

The chain's announcement that it will reinstate its #30m annual British beef order came after a meeting with Agriculture Minister Jack Cunningham.

Dr Cunningham said McDonald's move is the first step in convincing the EU to allow Britain to resume beef exports.

''This is good news for farmers, the food industry and consumers,'' he said. ''British beef goes through the strictest controls in the world and it most certainly can be eaten with confidence.

''Corporate and consumer confidence is returning. The sooner the European Union takes action towards lifting the export ban on British beef, the better it will be for beef farmers throughout the EU.''

Mr Mole was speaking during a visit to Moffat Academy, with top chef Ferrier Richardson from Glasgow's Yes restaurant to boost the use of beef in school menus. The Meat and Livestock Commission's general manager in Scotland, Alistair Donaldson was also present.

The MLC and the NFUS have combined to persuade the nine education authorities in Scotland which are still banning British beef to reverse that policy. The McDonald's decision will be seen as a psychological boost to that campaign.

Mr Donaldson explained that the return of McDonald's to the domestic market would inc-rease demand for forequarter beef which was largely used in catering and manufactured products. In 1996 McDonald's purchased #29m worth of British beef.

The lack of an outlet for forequarter cuts has been cited by the supermarkets as one reason for continuing high retail prices for steaks and quality cuts despite low prices being paid at the auction marts.

But Professor Lacey said the move by McDonald's was premature and all beef, whether British or foreign, still posed a risk.

''I think McDonald's are putting profits before public safety,'' he said.

''Beef may be central to their business but in that case I think they should concentrate on promoting alternatives. There are still too many risks.''

Professor Lacey, who works at Leeds University and refuses to eat beef, added there were no new scientific reasons for the burger chain to put British beef back on its menu.

McDonald's managing director Andrew Taylor dismissed suggestions that the chain's primary concern was financial, claiming that the public wanted British beef back on the menu.