HC Deb 11 June 1980 vol 986 cc211-2W
Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what further advance towards the coast of the English Channel in Continental Europe has been made by rabies over the last five years ; and what further plans he is making so that Great Britain's rabies-free record can be maintained ;

(2) in view of the danger of rabies being introduced into Great Britain by the importation of infected animals from the continent of Europe, if he will take further steps to strengthen defences against the illegal entry of animals.

Mr. Wiggin

The spread of rabies through eastern France towards the Channel coast appears to have been halted, but there was some movement towards the south in 1979.

The existing legislation and procedures provide a sound basis for preventing the introduction of the disease into this country. A special effort is currently being concentrated, through the 1980 publicity campaign, on maintaining public awareness of the importance of keeping rabies out of Britain.