§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes have been made since 1 January 1988 in the system of enforcing hygiene standards on intra-Community trade in pigmeat; what further measures he proposes to take to prevent the importation of pigs or pigmeat suffering from Aujeszky's disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonNo changes have been made since 1 January 1988 to the system of enforcing hygiene standards on intra-Community trade in pigmeat.
As far as Aujeszky's disease is concerned, imports of pigmeat present no risk. Imports of live pigs present a potential risk unless adequate safeguards are provided. Member states which presently export to Great Britain have agreed to provide official health certification which gives us the protection we need. We are seeking harmonised Community rules which will give us the same degree of protection in relation to possible future imports of live pigs from other member states.