§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure that a representative of his Department boards all incoming merchant ships which, prior to 1st April, would have been boarded by a Customs officer but will not as a matter of routine be boarded after that date to ensure that the master is aware of and has complied with the animal health regulations, particularly those prohibiting the landing of pets which might carry rabies.
§ Mr. BishopIt is not intended that representatives of my Department should undertake this task, which will continue to be carried out as an agency function by Her Majesty's Customs. The selective boarding procedure; to be introduced on 1st April in relation to import control of animals and birds was the subject of full consultation between my Department and Her Majesty's Customs. We are satisfied that there is no weakening of control.