HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc60-1
12. Viscount Lambton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will relax existing restrictions on the importation of live and dead poultry following the introduction of the fowl pest vaccination policy.

Mr. Soames

I have decided following the recommendations of the Plant Committee to allow the importation of breeding stock and hatching eggs where this is likely to be of benefit to the commercial stock in this country. Any importation will be made only under strict veterinary control. There will be no relaxation on the importation of poultry carcases as we cannot afford the risk of adding to the extent of infection.

Viscount Lambton

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the precise restrictions on poultry will be relaxed or retained if we enter the Common Market?

Mr. Soames

The Treaty of Rome provides explicitly for regulations for animal health to be continued within the Community.

Viscount Lambton

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that these restrictions will remain entirely as they are at the moment?

Mr. Soames

This is a question of animal health. Whether they will remain entirely as they are at present has nothing to do with the Common Market. Article 36 sets out that regulations in the interests of improving the animal health position An any country may remain in force.