§ 20. Mr. Loydenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider reviewing the penalties for the smuggling of animals into the United Kingdom, in view of the possible consequences to health such offences can bring about.
§ Mr. StrangThe smuggling of animals which might be a health risk is a significant problem only in relation to the possible introduction of rabies. As I explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) on 15th July—[Vol. 895, c.455.]—the penalties for offences against rabies importation controls have recently been substantially increased under the powers provided by the Rabies Act 1974.