§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will detail the arrangements currently in force for the public health examination of beef imports at the port of entry to the United Kingdom of products(a) from within the EEC and (b) from outside the EEC.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply.
Port health authorities have responsibility for public health examinations of beef imports to ensure their compliance with the imported food regulations 1984.
All meat entering the United Kingdom must come from export-approved plants, other member states, or from plants in third countries which have been approved by the EC Commission. Consignments must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a veterinarian authorised by the Government of the exporting country confirming that the strict hygiene standards of the appropriate EC directive have been fully satisfied.
Port health authorities inspect all consignments from third countries in accordance with Community provisions and make sample examination of those from other member states.