§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of recent further cases of cruelty to birds being transported by air to or via this country, what changes he proposes in order to strengthen the regulations governing this traffic.
§ Mr. StrangMy hon. Friend wrote to the hon. Member on 3rd November outlining the action being taken to secure effective observance of the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 and of the regulations made by the International Air Transport Association, which are designed to protect the welfare of all living creatures being transported by air. It is also hoped to announce shortly new health controls governing the importation of captive birds.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the precautions which are taken to prevent the import and spread of psittacosis and related diseases; and whether he will now impose import restrictions, including quarantine, to prevent the spread of these dangerous diseases.
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§ Mr. StrangPsittacosis is a disease of concern to human rather than poultry health and consequently is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. But, as I said in a reply to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Neubert) on 30th October—Vol. 898, c.572]—I hope to announce very shortly the import controls we propose to introduce in respect of captive birds to reduce the risk of importing avian diseases, particularly Newcastle Disease.