§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks are carried out by his Department to monitor the transportation conditions of wild birds being imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Ministry is responsible for legislation under the Animal Health Act 1981 to protect the welfare of animals and birds during transport and to prevent the introduction of diseases. This legislation is enforced by local authorities. Ministry veterinary staff maintain close liaison with the authorities concerned, particularly with the corporation of the city of London which operates the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at Heathrow airport through which all commercial consignments of wild birds are routed. On release from the AQS imported birds are held for 35 days at quarantine premises approved by the Ministry. During this period the health and welfare of the birds is monitored by veterinary inspectors including Ministry veterinary officers.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has regarding the number of wild birds imported into the United Kingdom during 1988 and 1989 which were dead on arrival or died in quarantine.
§ Mr. MacleanDetails of mortalities in imported wild birds in 1988 compiled by the Ministry were published in 829W December 1989 and placed in the Library of the House. The figures show that of 184,577 birds imported, 4,732 (2.6 per cent.) were found to be dead on arrival and a further 20,619 (11.2 per cent.) died during quarantine. A similar analysis of imports in 1989 is currently being compiled.