§ Mr. Adleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the outcome of his investigation of the allegations referred to in the Adjournment debate initiated on Tuesday 15th June by the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Official Report, column 511) about lack of information at Le Havre and Deauville, on Great Britain's anti-rabies precautions; and if he will report progress on establishing a model plan for all local authorities concerning co-ordination of their deterrent measures.
518W
§ Mr. StrangThese allegations were based on a news reporter's visit to Normandy which coincided with the arrival in the area of our publicity material. French language posters describing our anti-rabies regulations are now displayed at the ferry terminals, airport, town information office, tourist office, railway station and the two sailing clubs at Le Havre, and also at the Deauville sailing club. In addition the poster has been published in two Le Havre local newspapers.
With the co-operation of the Royal Yachting Association and the National Yacht Harbours Association, and also with that of the French authorities, further steps are being taken to improve the level of awareness amongst both British and French yachtsmen. Dogs are not allowed to be landed in France from abroad without a veterinary health certificate and appropriate vaccination certificates, including one for rabies. Moreover, it is illegal to bring back to this country any dog which has entered a foreign port, whether it went ashore or not, unless it goes into quarantine.
Guidelines to local authorities on the preparation of contingency plans, in case of a rabies outbreak, were issued on 17th June. A copy has been sent to the hon. Member and copies are available in the Library of the House.