Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the application of EU Directive 81/851/EEC to the traceability of veterinary medicines in the United Kingdom. [105197]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 17 January 2000]: I apologise for the long delay in responding, the result of an administrative error.
Council Directive 81/851/EEC as amended contains provisions to assist traceability of veterinary medicinal products by way of requirements on marketing authorisation holders, wholesalers and retailers to keep detailed records of purchases and sales. Regulations to implement the requirements of the Directive in relation to retail sales by pharmacies and veterinary practices were laid before Parliament on 10 January and entered into force on 1 February.