§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his Department's power to control the conditions under which animals destined for use in experimentation are imported into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [31098]
§ Mr. MorleyAll animals imported into the UK are subject to the new animal transport rules that were introduced last year. Importers are required to give a written undertaking that arrangements have been made to comply with the terms of EU Directive 91/628 on the 187W protection of animals during transport. The animals must not be transported in a way that causes or could cause injury or unnecessary suffering, and strict rules covering the construction and maintenance of the receptacles and means of transport used must be complied with. In addition, under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats, and Other Mammals) Order 1974 (as amended), rabies susceptible mammals imported into the UK must be licensed and must undergo 6 months quarantine on arrival at an authorised quarantine premises, with the exception of certain traded animals from other EC Member States that comply with the requirements of Council Directive 92/65/EEC.