§ 2.55 p.m.
§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEU1106 My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what publicity is being given to our rabies laws in Continental ports, marinas and yacht clubs.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, 15,000 foreign language posters explaining our anti-rabies regulations have been sent to our Embassies in eight European countries for distribution at ports, marinas, yacht clubs and other suitable locations. This task is being achieved, I am glad to say, with the full co-operation of the Governments and national organisations concerned.
A special television programme explaining our policy and regulations has already been shown in most European countries. In addition, a Ministry of Agriculture veterinary officer will be coordinating our publicity campaign in liaison with the veterinary authorities on the French, Belgian and Dutch coasts.
§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEUMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lords for that reply, and appreciating the good intentions of the Government, may I ask whether he is aware that it was reported last night in the Southampton Echo that no posters at all were exhibited in Le Havre and Deauville? Is he also aware that many Frenchmen still think that the vaccination certificate is sufficient, and that many feel that the literature already abroad has not been properly distributed? In view of this most disturbing report, could he perhaps look into this aspect of the matter?
§ Lord STRABOLGIYes, of course, my Lords. We are aware of public concern about this, and I may say we are meeting this threat with resolution and vigour. If the noble Lord, or any other noble Lord, has knowledge of any instances where the campaign has not been properly carried out, we shall be glad to hear of them.
With regard to France, the French Navy authorities have issued standing instructions that any animals belonging to French warships must be left behind before sailing to United Kingdom ports. 1107 The French Ministry of Transport has circulated such information to associations of shipping owners, to the fishing industry and to the unions concerned. Posters and leaflets about our controls and penalties have been circulated to nearly 500 maritime sailing clubs affiliated to the French National Sailing Federation. I do not think there will be any excuse for travellers, whether British or foreign, not being aware of our regulations.
§ Lord BYERSMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord in how many foreign languages these warning notices are published and whether, in each of the ports concerned, French, German and so on, there are notices in more than one foreign language?—because Italians travel through French ports, and so do many other people.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, the six languages are French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, would the noble Lord also consider that these notices might perhaps be posted at airports, particularly those concerned with light aircraft?—because many light aeroplanes cross the Channel.
§ Lord STRABOLGIYes, my Lords. I think this is probably being done and, as the noble Earl may know, to land an animal at any location other than an accredited port or airport is not permitted.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy Lords, did I understand the noble Lord to say—
§ Baroness SUMMERSKILLThis side next! My Lords, as most of the individuals responsible for the crime of bringing infected animals into this country appear to be wealthy and so have no difficulty in paying the fine, would it not be better to give them a short, sharp, prison sentence? This would be more salutory and would be reported in every paper in the world.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, of course that is permitted under our legislation. I think we must leave this to the courts concerned; but I may say that on indictment it is possible to order an unlimited fine and/or a year's imprison- 1108 ment. I think it is important to note from what one reads in the Press that magistrates are beginning to reflect public opinion about the seriousness of this offence.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy Lords, did the noble Lord say that a veterinary expert is co-ordinating the dissemination of information? If so, would it not be better if an expert on information did that job?
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, the co-ordinating authority for this whole campaign is, of course, the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with the Welsh Office and the Scottish Office: and the COI produces the publicity posters. We had a Press Conference last month, and I must say that we welcome very much the co-operation of the Press in this matter.
§ Lord ORR-EWINGMy Lords, will the noble Lord bear in mind that it now costs about £300 to put a dog into a kennel during the incubation period, which in many cases is a real hardship? Also, are we spending enough money on improved vaccines, so that we can move to an arrangement under which we have a foolproof and effective vaccine? In many cases there is real and genuine hardship and the loss of a much valued companion and pet during the six months' quarantine which must now be imposed.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, I think that that is a different question.
Lord DE CLIFFORDMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that I have had representations from a number of friends, who say that although there are stickers at airports they are not eye-catching and are, in fact, rather drab compared with all the other advertisements which are scattered about? May I also ask him whether, in order to stop the smuggling of dogs in cars, the Customs could put stickers on cars going out of this country, and ferry operators could put other stickers on cars coming in?
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, that is a useful suggestion which we shall certainly bear in mind. I am afraid I cannot agree with the noble Lord that our posters are drab. I have some here, both in French and in English, which, if your Lordships 1109 wish, I will arrange to have displayed in the Library. Also, I have put in the Printed Paper Office a memorandum, which is also available in the Library, which spells out in very considerable detail, first, what we are doing to prevent rabies-infected animals coming to these shores; and, secondly, in what we hope is the unlikely event of an emergency, what special plans will have to be implemented.
Earl FERRERSMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that his original Answer, that the Government are taking this action, will give a great deal of satisfaction? Can he say whether the posters which go to the Embassies are being received with welcome by the port authorities? Presumably those authorities are under no compulsion to put up posters, so are the Embassies having any difficulty in persuading them to do so?
§ Lord STRABOLGINo, my Lords. We have enjoyed full co-operation for a very long time; and, of course, we have also enjoyed EEC co-operation through each Member State. As well as working through the Embassies, we are working with British consulates in the main French ports and also in Lille, Lyon and Strasbourg.