HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 c298W
145. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that some tortoises are carriers of disease; and if he will seek to ban the genera] import of these creatures.

Mr. John Mackie

After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, I am not aware of any evidence that tortoises suffer from any disease significant to human or animal health other than salmonellosis, or that they might transmit this infection to an extent justifying a ban on their importation.