§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on when she intends to allow the use of pet passports for the USA and Canada; and how the scheme will operate. [48803]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 16 April 2002]: In January 2001, the Pet Travel Scheme was extended to rabies-free islands, including Hawaii. Mainland USA and 932W Canada have not been included in the scheme as it was concluded that doing so would increase the risk of importing rabies.
However, the Government undertook to review the position of these countries. We have received a further assessment on the risk of importing rabies and a report on other zoonotic diseases which could be introduced to the UK if the scheme was extended to the USA and Canada. Both reports are being reviewed and evaluated. I hope to make an announcement on the conclusions of these reports shortly.
The import of dogs and cats from the USA and Canada, along with other third countries, would become subject to EU rules if agreement is reached on a proposal from the Commission for a regulation on the animal-health requirements applicable to non-commercial movement of pet animals. This proposal will be discussed at the meeting of Agriculture Ministers on 22 and 23 April.
The Government will need to take account of this proposal before reaching final decisions.