§ Mr. Hawkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his review of the health risks associated with the importation of psittacines and other birds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI have reviewed this matter and take the views of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. While controls are not considered justified on human health grounds alone, a review of the disease risks to poultry posed by unrestricted imports of psittacines and other captive birds gives cause for concern. I am therefore considering the form and timing of appropriate import controls and I shall be consulting the trade and other interests.