§ Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he proposes to give effect to the recommendation of the Office Internationale des Epizooties in Paris regarding the importation of equine animals from countries previously infected with African horse sickness but now clear of the disease.
§ Mrs. FennerMy right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland have today made the Equine Animals (Importation) Order 1973 which will come into effect on 16th April 1973. In future all importations of equine animals will be subject to the granting of licences and there will be no statutory list of prohibited countries. This means that applications to import equines from countries previously infected with African horse sickness but now clear of the disease will be considered on their individual merits.