§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the recommendations in Professor Kennedy's report, "Quarantine and Rabies-A Reappraisal", which would require primary legislation; and if he will make a statement; [65502]
294W(2) what representations he has received on implementing the proposed changes to the quarantine laws by (a) primary and (b) secondary legislation; and if he will make a statement. [65503]
§ Mr. RookerI have received a paper from Passports for Pets expressing the view that all of the Advisory Group's recommendations can be implemented by secondary legislation. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be meeting Passports for Pets on 25 January to hear their views.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish a consultation paper relating to the Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998; and when he expects the Act to come into force. [65504]
§ Mr. RookerThe Act came into force on 21 July 1998. No order has been made yet. The Government are currently considering the responses to consultation on the Kennedy Report on Rabies Quarantine. We expect a separate consultation on animal welfare matters and quarantine premises to follow during the Spring. An Order, under Section 10 of the Animal Health Act 1981 would follow this.