HC Deb 17 February 1982 vol 18 c119W
Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantities of frozen Chinese rabbit meat have been imported during each of the last five years.

Mr. Peter Walker

Separate figures on imports of frozen rabbit meat are not available. Total imports of rabbit meat from China, most of which would have been frozen, were as follows:

Metric Tonnes
1977 8,680
1978 9,417
1979 9,036
1980 6,091
1981 n/a

Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the importation of frozen Chinese rabbit meat is banned by any of the EEC countries.

Mr. Peter Walker

As there is no European Community regime for rabbit meat, national measures apply. There are no United Kingdom restrictions on the import of rabbit meat either on public health or on animal health grounds. Information for other member States is not readily available.

Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of rabbit meat has been produced in Great Britain for human consumption during each of the last five years.

Mr. Peter Walker

It is estimated that total production was about 4,000 tonnes per annum, most of which would have been destined for human consumption.