HC Deb 10 May 1976 vol 911 cc38-40
Mr. Adley

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the need for harsher penalties for people convicted of contravening the animal quarantine regulations". The matter is specific because rabies is a clearly defined disease, easily identified, feared and dreaded, and it is likely to reach these shores only by an act of man rather than by an act of God.

It is important because, once here, this disease will not easily be eradicated, and eradication is painful, socially divisive and very expensive in cash and human terms.

The matter is urgent because the disease has already reached the French Channel ports—and Dunkirk will be no salvation in 1976.

The Government, I know, are aware of the dangers, but they appear to be concentrating their efforts on the larger ports, whereas there is a real threat in the smaller ports, and the Government have not yet had a meeting with the National Yacht Harbours Association. The resources of Her Majesty's Customs are stretched to the limit, particularly in the summer, at the smaller ports and some confusion appears to exist as between the harbour commissioners, the police, port health authorities and Her Majesty's Customs officers.

As deterrence is likely to be the only defence, I submit that a maximum fine of £400 is wholly inadequate. There is therefore a need for mandatory prison sentences and the destruction of illegally imported animals.

For those reasons, I submit that this is a proper matter which should have precedence over other business.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the need for harsher penalties for people convicted of contravening the animal quarantine regulations. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reasons for my decision.

I have given careful consideration to the hon. Gentleman's representations, but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Stand- ing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.