§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of whether the requirements of the European Commission's common rules regarding the producing of rodents on the European Community market will require changes in the practices of British producers;
(2) what changes in the rules governing rodent producers in Britain will be imposed as a result of the European Commission's proposed regulation to remove disparities between member states' rodent health restrictions;
(3) what arrangements he is making to assist European Commission veterinary experts who will be making on-the-spot inspections to ensure British rodents are bred and kept within the requirements of European animal health restrictions.
§ Mr. MacleanThe proposed animal health conditions governing the placing of rodents on the market in the Community should not require changes in the practices of British producers. Tularaemia, myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease would become notifiable, in addition to rabies, and exports to other member states would not be subject to official veterinary certification. We will provide whatever assistance is required by the Commission's veterinary experts in carrying out their inspections, if the proposal is adopted.