§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what relaxations will be in force from 1 January 1993 on the imports of species of(a) animals, (b) plants and (c) pathogens that are currently banned from being imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CurryI have been asked to reply.
There will be no relaxation from 1 January 1993 of the prohibitions currently in force on the importation of particular animals, pathogens and plants into the United Kingdom.
Imports of live animals will remain subject to harmonised Community animal health rules or, in their absence, national legislation, and existing import prohibitions will remain in force.
Imports of animal pathogens will remain subject to existing national legislation. Discussions on EC and third 34W country trade in animal pathogens are under way and harmonised arrangements are unlikely to be introduced before 1 January 1994.
In relation to plants and plant pathogens, I announced on 2 November that existing plant health arrangements will continue after 1 January 1993 for a period of up to six months. In consequence no significant changes will take place on import arrangements at the beginning of 1993.