HC Deb 23 March 1976 vol 908 cc135-6W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the risks to animal health in Great Britain on account of the importation of cattle from the Irish Republic which have not been tested for tuberculosis or brucellosis on account of the Irish veterinary strike.

Mr. Strang

The incidence of tuberculosis in cattle in the Irish Republic has for some time been higher than in Great Britain, and Her Majesty's Government are in touch with the Irish authorities concerning the introduction, for cattle exported

amount a married man with two children under 11 years of age would have paid in income tax and national insurance contributions, and net income after tax and national insurance including family allowance.

Mr. Robert Sheldon,

pursuant to his reply of 22nd March 1976, gave the following information:

to Great Britain, of additional requirements relating to freedom from tuberculosis.

As far as brucellosis is concerned, existing arrangements provide that cattle from the Republic may not enter accredited herds in Great Britain unless they come from herds accredited in the Republic and have passed a blood test not more than 21 days before export.