HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc177-8W
44. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will strictly control the import into the United Kingdom of all exotic birds and animals allowing in only those required for educational and zoological purposes and given a clean bill of health by the veterinary services.

Mrs. Fenner

Strict import controls to safeguard animal health already apply to a wide range of animals and birds. The main controls on exotic animals are those under the Rabies (Importation of Mammals) Order 1971 under which most species of mammal are allowed in only under licence and subject to six months' isolation in authorised quarantine premises. Further controls by my Department on birds and animals would have to be justified on animal health grounds.