HL Deb 17 November 1970 vol 312 cc1113-4WA
THE EARL OF HARROWBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their attitude to the report given to the British Veterinary Association on the degree of danger to health and life statistically from the import of pets into this country, and whether steps will be taken to have this investigated and followed by the necessary propaganda and publicity.

THE MINISTEROF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (LORD ABERDARE)

I assume that the noble Lord has in mind the paper given at the British Veterinary Association's Conference in September which, among other matters, touched on the risk of transmission of disease from pets to humans. Though such risks exist, they can be minimised by correct management of pets, by keeping them clean and isolating them when sick, and by common-sense precautions in hygiene; for example, in the protection of food against contamination by pets and in training children to wash after playing with pets. Making this known is essentially a matter of health education for which primary responsibility lies with the Health Education Council. Among the leaflets published by the Council there is already one dealing with pets and health and giving advice on their hygienic handling.

House adjourned at fourteen minutes past midnight.