HL Deb 18 January 1995 vol 560 cc41-2WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that, as from 1st January 1995, veterinary surgeons and farmers may import for their own use (on prescription, or in their own herds and flocks) animal medicines which are already licensed for use elsewhere in the European Union.

Earl Howe

Not in all circumstances. Many factors affect the import and use of veterinary medicinal products from other member states. For example, no person, including a veterinary surgeon, may import a product for supply to another person (or for administration to another person's animals) unless the product has a marketing authorisation valid in the UK. For one-off supplies by a veterinary surgeon to a client, in response to a particular need, a special treatment authorisation may be available.

Anyone may import a product other than a vaccine from another EEA Member State and administer it to a companion animal (as distinct from a food-producing animal) which he or she owns, provided the product has a marketing authorisation in that originating member state. Equally, anyone may import a vaccine which has been reviewed, or newly licensed since 1993, in accordance with Community law and administer it to animals which he or she owns, provided it does not contain any pathogen controlled under animal health law and does not interfere with any animal health programme in the UK. The import and administration of products in other circumstances requires authorisation.

A guidance note explaining these arrangements in more detail is being prepared. I will ensure that it is placed in the Library of the House, and that the noble Countess is sent a copy.