15. Mr. Love ridgeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the number of officials responsible for administering the quarantine regulations in connection with rabies is regularly reviewed to ensure that these regulations can be efficiently enforced.
§ Mr. Peter MillsYes, in so far as it is within my right hon. Friend's power to do so, given that enforcement of these regulations falls mainly to local authorities and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. LoveridgeI congratulate those who do the job of keeping us safe from rabies. I ask my hon. Friend to do his best to ensure the completion of the putting into effect of the recommendations of the committee of inquiry into rabies. Will he take further steps to ensure that the public are alerted to the dangers, so 228 as to discourage the folly of smuggling pets?
§ Mr. MillsYes, I am aware of this problem. There is a growing problem with contact with the Continent. We are studying the proposals that have been made by the committee of inquiry on rabies. My staff are already liaising fully with, and will advise, the local authorities and Her Majesty's Customs responsible for enforcement.