§ 19. Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that adequate safeguards exist in Scotland to control the entry of animals into Scotland that may carry rabies.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownYes, Sir. The anti-rabies legislation that we introduced in 1974 provides effective control over the entry into Great Britain of dogs, cats and other rabies-susceptible animals.
§ Mr. CorrieIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of the foreign fishing boats fishing off the coast of Scotland have animals on board, and that these boats come into small local ports? Would it not be a good idea for the Minister to get in touch with the countries that have boats fishing in our waters and tell them of the regulations at home before the boats get here, rather than have problems arise when they come into our ports?
§ Mr. BrownThere is a general recognition amongst most mariners or skippers of their obligations under international regulations, including this one. If the hon. Gentleman has a feeling of alarm, and lets me have details, I shall see what I can do to help.
§ Mr. WelshDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that Scotland's land frontier is particularly vulnerable? What steps is he taking to establish a cordon sanitaire on the Scottish-English border?
§ Mr. BrownI am not sure whether that is meant to be funny. I am not sure, either, whether the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that there is some difference between rabies that might come from England and rabies that might come from elsewhere. This is a serious subject, and we have a working party, on which Scottish local authorities and my Department are represented, dealing with it. In general, all the authorities are well acquainted with the problem and know what to look for.