§ Mr. Darlingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average number of dogs from overseas put in quarantine each month; whether he is satisfied with the standards and the inspection of quarantine kennels: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThe number of dogs entering quarantine in Great Britain has averaged 312 per month so far this year.
Under our conditions each quarantine kennel must have a veterinary surgeon responsible for superintending the quarantine arrangements. He visits the premises daily and reports any illness or other incident of note to the Ministry. He also makes a weekly return. Regular inspections by veterinary inspectors of the Ministry are made quarterly and additional visits if particular circumstances so require. Premises will in future be reconsidered for authorisation every two years.
We are satisfied with the standards now required and the inspection arrangements but we shall be keeping the situation under constant review.