HL Deb 18 January 1993 vol 541 cc715-6

Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to prevent the introduction of rabies into the United Kingdom through the Channel Tunnel.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, animal health controls at the Channel Tunnel and its terminals are and will be just as strict as those presently in force at the sea ports and airports. In addition, the Channel Tunnel concessionaires have established a number of preventative measures to stop wild animals straying into the tunnel, and more will be put in place once the tunnel is operational.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer, but is he aware of the fact that, by providing open physical access, the tunnel is in a different position from those points of entry where there is access by sea or air? Are Her Majesty's Government conscious of that difference and of the need, therefore, to take far greater precautions at the entrance to the tunnel than at other points of entry into this country?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, it is for that very reason that we are taking additional measures. There will be three lines of defence: there will be a main perimeter fence, a secure boundary, and an electric system all the way round the interior of the tunnel to try to prevent animals entering. There will also be baited traps throughout the tunnel system.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, I am sure that the Minister will view with approbation the fact that the House would welcome the strongest possible measures. The three lines of defence seem to be encouraging. I only hope that they will not trap any human beings. However, can the Minister say whether there is to be any removal of the requirement in respect of quarantine for domestic dogs? I understand that the Government have said that that matter is under consideration. Is it still under consideration and, if so, when can we expect a response?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, that is an important point. I can assure the House that quarantine remains where there is any risk of importing disease.

Lord Beloff

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that there is at least an equal, if not a greater, danger from boozy day-trippers to Calais bringing back domestic pets now that apparently there are no controls whatever at the ports?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, there will he plenty of control at the ports—whether they be sea ports, airports, or the Channel Tunnel ports. I am sure that my noble friend recognises that if people wish to take their pets abroad—and I hope that they do not bring them back the same day—they are able to do that at the moment.

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