HC Deb 24 February 1992 vol 204 cc385-6W
Mr. Hill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans are in place to end rabies quarantine for domestic animals; and what changes in procedure are expected as a result of the European single market.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made towards retaining United Kingdom quarantine regulations until rabies has been eradicated on the continent.

Mr. Maclean

European Community scientific experts have been asked to review the scientific evidence relating to the precautions necessary to avoid the spread of rabies by domestic animals. The Government would not support any proposal for changes to existing arrangements which would increase the risk of rabies being introduced to this country.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the EC on the elimination of rabies; and what facilities are available to the Commission to confirm the reports given by member states.

Mr. Maclean

I understand that the campaign to eradicate rabies from the European Community is progressing more slowly than the Commission originally expected. It is too early to say whether the campaign will be a complete success. Member states are required to report to the Commission on their plans for control of rabies, which is a compulsorily notifiable disease throughout the Community.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what public statements the chief veterinary officer has made in 1992 about possible developments in EC law affecting United Kingdom quarantine regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

The Chief Veterinary Officer has explained that the Commission has recently asked the Scientific Veterinary Committee to review the scientific evidence relating to the spread of rabies, in the light of suggestions that some categories of animals that have been vaccinated and blood-tested could represent no greater risk of the introduction of disease than those imported under our existing arrangements. The Government will not support measures which would increase the risk of rabies being introduced into this country.