§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding the use of drugs in pigeon racing, and what discussions he has had with the Belgian Minister of Agriculture regarding the situation in Belgium. [40681]
§ Mrs. BrowningVeterinary medicines for racing pigeons are subject to the normal controls on the manufacture, sale and supply of veterinary medicines. No product may be marketed in the United Kingdom other than in accordance with a marketing authorisation, issued following an assessment by the independent Veterinary Products Committee against the statutory scientific criteria of safety, quality and efficacy.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has pursued reports of illegal sales in the UK to pigeon fanciers of veterinary medicines imported from the Community and will continue to follow up and further reports that may be received.
I understand that the Belgian authorities are concerned about the misuse of veterinary medicines to enhance the performance of racing pigeons and are putting in place legislation to test birds for drug misuse. The Ministry has no evidence of pigeon fanciers in the UK misusing drugs on their birds in order to enhance their performance.
If the hon. Member has a specific concern, I will be happy to look into it if he could write to me with the details.