§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what regulatory requirements must be satisfied by persons seeking to export primates for experimentation purposes. [99138]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 23 November 1999]: The rules governing the export of primates from the UK to member states of the European Union are set down in Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992. These rules are implemented in Great Britain by the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 1998 and in Northern Ireland by the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended).
Under this legislation primates may be traded within the EU only between institutes or establishments which have been approved by the competent authority. Commission Decision 92/65/EEC sets down detailed specifications for the approval of institutes or establishments engaged in the import and export of primates. An up-to-date list of all such approved premises is lodged with the European Commission.
20WExported primates must be accompanied by official veterinary documentation confirming that the animals are in good health and that they originate from approved premises.
In the case of exports of primates to third countries, exporters are required to satisfy conditions agreed bilaterally between the UK and the importing country.
All primates exported from the UK are subject to rules introduced by The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. Exporters are required to give a written undertaking that arrangements have been made to comply with the terms of the EU Directive 91/628 on the protection of animals during transport. The animals must not be transported in a way that causes or could cause injury or unnecessary suffering. Strict rules covering the construction and maintenance of the receptacles and means of transport must be complied with.