§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on(a) the prevention of illegal imports of meat and food and (b) investment in animal disease research; and if she will make a statement. [30712]
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§ Mr. MorleyWe have received a number of representations on the prevention of illegal imports of meat and food from a wide variety of sources, including Members of Parliament, the farming industry and the public. We have introduced a number of new measures aimed at combating illegal imports and will be taking into account the views expressed as we consider what further measures may be appropriate.
DEFRA receives many approaches about investment in research of all kinds and this information is available to the public via documents and the website. The funding per annum on the Animal Health and Welfare research programme is approximately £37.4 million. This is being kept under review in the light of the FMD outbreak and any inquiry recommendations.