§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps he is taking to monitor the spread of swine fever in Germany; [18429]
(2) when he plans to meet his EU counterparts to discuss the export of live pigs or pig carcases infected with swine fever; [18430]
(3) when he plans to meet his EU counterparts to discuss the sale of German pork and ham infected with swine fever. [18428]
§ Mrs. BrowningI have no plans to meet my EU counterparts on this topic, which is being kept under continuous review by the EC Standing Veterinary Committee. Community legislation lays down the internal control measures against swine fever which the German veterinary authorities must apply, and additional controls specifically applicable to the export of live pigs and fresh and processed pigmeat products from Germany. These measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of disease within Germany and to other countries. They include restrictions on the movement of live animals and products within Germany, a total ban on the export of live animals and pigmeat products from infected regions and additional safeguards applicable to exports from other regions.