HC Deb 09 February 2001 vol 362 cc719-20W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the names of appointed carriers under the PETS scheme will be announced. [148686]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 5 February 2001]: Participation by transport companies in the scheme is voluntary. We have already announced a number of carriers approved to bring in animals from Western Europe. These are Hoverspeed, Stena, Sea France, Brittany Ferries, European and Eurotunnel Shuttle Service. A number of airlines have also been approved as carriers—British Midland, Lufthansa and Finnair and, most recently, Air Malta and Cyprus Airways. Carriers are approved to carry animals on specific routes; there is no blanket approval for a ferry company or airline. As additional transport companies and new routes are approved by the Ministry, details will be placed on the website (http//:www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine) and made available through the PETS helpline (0870 241 1710). We are currently in negotiation with several additional companies.