§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's use of the Animal Health Act 1981 to act against the importation of animal diseases. [18361]
§ Mr. MorleyImports of live animals and the majority of animal products such as meat, fish, dairy products etc. are subject to EU rules implemented by national regulations made under the European Communities Act 1972. Some live animals and products requiring 859W special authorisation before import, for example animal pathogens for research purposes, trade samples, and some live animals and products not subject to EU rules may only be imported in accordance with licences issued under the Animal Health Act 1981. The import conditions in these licences are designed to prevent the hazard of importing and spreading animal diseases.