§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she considers animal quarantine regulations a suitable subject for subsidiarity.
§ Mr. SoamesThe principles of subsidiarity apply to this area, as in all Community activity. Moreover, the Government do not consider that animal health measures fall within the Community's exclusive competence. We accept, however, that the harmonisation of animal health controls on the movement of animals between member states, which are designed to further the single market, is appropriate.
I am satisfied that the current harmonised EC animal health trade rules provide adequate safeguards against the introduction of disease and that post-import quarantine of farm livestock imported from other member states is not necessary.