HC Deb 19 December 1997 vol 303 cc338-9W
Mr. Baldry

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 15 December,Official Report, column 33, if he will make a statement on how the Government will ensure that the policing of the import ban is appropriate. [21846]

The Prime Minister

Imports of animal products from non-EU Member States must be imported through Border Inspection Posts. All consignments undergo documentary checks. Some also undergo identity and physical checks.

Because of our obligations under the EU treaties, there are no routine checks on products from other EU Member States. Border controls were removed on the introduction of the Single Market. Controls on imported animal products depend on random non-discriminatory checks. For the purpose of the SRM controls, we are seeking to introduce a number of measures designed to police the requirement for veterinary certification, involving MAFF and local authorities.

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