§ Mr. Nicholsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in view of the recent outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Great Britain, what measures he is taking to protect the poultry industry in Northern Ireland; and if any restrictions of movement will be introduced.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland has maintained close contact with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland regarding the recent Newcastle disease outbreak in Great Britain. The poultry industry and associated industries in Northern Ireland have been fully informed of the situation and reminded that current legislation for importation of poultry, poultry products, and poultry equipment requires that such items may only be imported under and in accordance with the terms of a licence issued by the Department.
Close vigilance is maintained at ports of entry into Northern Ireland in order to ensure that these regulations are complied with.
It is considered that at present these controls are sufficient to protect Northern Ireland's poultry industry from the risk of introduction of the disease. The Department is keeping the situation under close review.