§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with colleagues in other Government Departments on(a) the level of illegal meat imports to the UK and (b) the effectiveness of controls and enforcement measures at (i) ports, (ii) airports and (iii) elsewhere to tackle illegal meat imports; and what assessment she has made of the need for further action. [19284]
§ Mr. MorleyDepartment for Education, Food and Rural Affairs Ministers regularly have discussions with ministerial colleagues and officials in many parts of 269W Government. In line with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information details of such confidential discussions are not normally disclosed.
Departmental officials are leading an interdepartmental review aimed at co-ordinating action across Government to ensure that rules on imports of all products of animal origin are enforced effectively and efficiently. In carrying out this task they meet regularly with colleagues in other Government Departments and responsible enforcement authorities.