§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment why his Department, to avoid the risk of rabies being introduced, requires a prospective importer of a cactus plant to notify the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of his intention.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe requirement to consult the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about rabies controls applies only to imports of live animals. I will ensure that this is made clear in the Department's standard letter acknowledging applications for import permits.