§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the letter of 4 December 1997, Reference 109690, from the Minister of State, on quarantine regulations, what interim recommendations have been received from the Kennedy Committee, in relation to quarantine for pets; what discussions have taken place with the European Commission; and when he expects to bring forward proposals to amend quarantine rules. [36526]
§ Mr. RookerThe Advisory Group on Quarantine has not been asked to make, and has not made, interim recommendations. It follows that there has been no discussion of interim recommendations with the European Commission. The Group is expected to report by late Spring, after which the Government will move to full public consultation on the options which then appear most promising. This process is likely to take a further few months. We expect discussions with the European Commission at this stage.