§ 9. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost involved in the Order dated 20th May, 1963, authorising the landing at London Airport of three oryx from Kenya; and when it will be possible to simplify the procedure involved in such matters.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe cost of preparing and publishing the Order was about £15 10s. Only two Orders have been made since 1950 to authorise the transhipment of animals coming from a foreign country. Such movements are allowed only very exceptionally and I do not consider that any change in the arrangements is necessary.
§ Sir B. JannerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that all this is quite unnecessary? The Order comes here and is shoved into a hole somewhere in the Library. No one ever looks at these Orders or cares about them, except perhaps myself when I occasionally look at them to see what money is being wasted. Why cannot the hon. Gentleman dispense with this Order altogether and rely on the rest of the procedure which enables these animals to be examined before and when they arrive here? Is it not sheer nonsense to keep on this bit of red tape?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI cannot accept that. It is very important for the health of animals that these Orders should be in force. They give a great measure of protection to animal health in this country.