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Type
House
Session
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Member
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Answering member
Bradshaw, Ben (48)
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Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
Import controls (48)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the rules on pet bird imports have been relaxed, with particular reference to (a) the removal of the need for individual licences and (b) compulsory quarantine periods.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the rules on pet bird imports have been relaxed, with particular reference to (a) the removal of the need for individual licences and (b) compulsory quarantine periods.
Asked by
David Drew
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 June 2007
For answer on
21 June 2007
Answered on
25 June 2007
Before the recent change to rules on pet bird imports, there were more restrictions on movements of pet birds into the UK than on commercial birds of the same species. In respect of disease risk, there is no justification for imposing additional rules on individuals wishing to bring their pet birds into the UK. Pet birds are confined in a house or aviary, with minimal contact with wild birds or commercial poultry, and are closely observed, so disease is noticed promptly. Bird keepers are advised to be alert for signs of avian influenza or Newcastle disease at all times and to report any suspicion of disease to their nearest animal health office.Following a public consultation, including an animal health risk assessment, moving pet birds to the UK from other European countries does not require licences or quarantine subject to conditions: there must be five or fewer pet birds, the import must not be intended for a commercial purpose and the birds cannot be poultry.
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports
Date
25 June 2007
Reference
144890; 462 c63W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the EU-wide computer system, TRACES, records (a) which species are imported, (b) the country of origin of imported species, (c) whether imported animals and birds are captive-bred or wild-caught and (d) the level of mortality among imported...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the EU-wide computer system, TRACES, records (a) which species are imported, (b) the country of origin of imported species, (c) whether imported animals and birds are captive-bred or wild-caught and (d) the level of mortality among imported...
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 January 2006
For answer on
26 January 2006
Answered on
30 January 2006
[holding answer 26 January 2006]: TRACES records which species are imported and the country they are imported from. It does not distinguish between captive-bred or wild-caught birds, nor does it show the level of mortality among imported animals and birds.
Subjects
Birds; Animals; ICT; Import controls; Imports; Wildlife
Date
30 January 2006
Reference
442 c10W;442 c10W; 45985
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she is making to other EU member states about the merits of an improved system to monitor imports of animals and their products into the European Union.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she is making to other EU member states about the merits of an improved system to monitor imports of animals and their products into the European Union.
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 January 2006
For answer on
26 January 2006
Answered on
30 January 2006
[holding answer 26 January 2006]: In 2004 a computerised system to record imports of animals and animal products into the European Union, known as TRACES, was introduced by the European Commission. Officials from DEFRA are closely involved in the continued development of the system. The UK is represented at meetings with the Commission and other member states to discuss issues associated with the effective operation of the system.
Subjects
Birds; Animals; EU countries; ICT; Import controls; Imports; Wildlife
Date
30 January 2006
Reference
45987; 442 c10W;442 c10W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether information gathered by the EU-wide computer system, TRACES, is available to the public in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether information gathered by the EU-wide computer system, TRACES, is available to the public in the UK.
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 January 2006
For answer on
26 January 2006
Answered on
30 January 2006
[holding answer 26 January 2006]: The information gathered by TRACES is only directly available to Member States' Competent Authorities and Official Veterinarians. Registered traders have the option of using the system to request export certification.
Subjects
Birds; Animals; ICT; Import controls; Imports; Wildlife
Date
30 January 2006
Reference
442 c10W;442 c10W; 45986
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the European Commission on its progress in reviewing policy on importing wild birds into the European Union.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the European Commission on its progress in reviewing policy on importing wild birds into the European Union.
Asked by
Angela C Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 January 2006
For answer on
23 January 2006
Answered on
30 January 2006
All imports of live birds and their products, from countries which have notified Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), have been banned. In addition, the EU has agreed a temporary ban, now extended to 31 May 2006, on the imports of all wild birds from any other countries. Additional restrictions on captive pet birds coming in with their owners have also been imposed.The Government are considering the conclusions of the Dimmock report (the Independent Review of Avian Quarantine) which said that imports of captive birds should be permitted as a ban might divert imports to illegal, un-quarantined, channels which would pose a greater risk. Discussions are continuing with stakeholders and the European Commission to find a longer-term solution to the problems associated with the importation of wild birds.
Subjects
Birds; EU countries; Import controls; Imports
Date
30 January 2006
Reference
45226; 442 c11W;442 c11W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to house imports of meat from Brazil following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease there.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to house imports of meat from Brazil following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease there.
Asked by
David Drew
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 November 2005
For answer on
24 November 2005
Answered on
5 December 2005
Following outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Brazil, action was taken to ban imports of meat from the affected areas which may present a risk.All meat imported into the EU from third countries must enter at designated Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where it is subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks and at least 20 per cent. of consignments undergo physical checks. These ensure import conditions are met and that the products remain in a satisfactory condition during transport.Any consignment that does not meet EU requirements, including that which may have been affected by the ban would be rejected and re-exported or destroyed.
Subjects
Foot and mouth disease; Import controls; Imports; Meat; Brazil
Date
5 December 2005
Reference
440 c930W;440 c930W; 32302
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are undertaken at border inspection posts to ensure that the documentation accompanying imported captive birds is genuine.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are undertaken at border inspection posts to ensure that the documentation accompanying imported captive birds is genuine.
Asked by
Owen Paterson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 November 2005
For answer on
21 November 2005
Answered on
28 November 2005
Before the ban on captive birds was implemented, the only third countries that could export captive birds to the EU had to be members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (the OIE). The OIE's Terrestrial Animal Health Code lays down the standards of certification members have to apply.Captive birds imported into the EU from third countries must enter at designated Border Inspection Posts where they are subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks to ensure that import conditions are met.The captive birds must be accompanied by a health certificate, as laid down in Community law. The Official Veterinary Surgeon at the border inspection post will check to ensure that the certificate accompanying the birds conforms to this model, has been completed correctly, has been signed and stamped, and is genuine.
Subjects
Birds; Documents; Import controls; Imports
Date
28 November 2005
Reference
30723; 440 c9W;440 c9W
House
House of Commons
The European Union ban on the import of captive birds has been extended until 31 January 2006. The Government are considering the arguments for and against a permanent ban. That will be discussed with EU and trading partners in the months to come. Subject to certain conditions, restrictions placed on gatherings of pigeons will be lifted today.
The European Union ban on the import of captive birds has been extended until 31 January 2006. The Government are considering the arguments for and against a permanent ban. That will be discussed with EU and trading partners in the months to come. Subject to certain conditions, restrictions placed on gatherings of pigeons will be lifted today.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Jim Devine
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
If she will make the temporary ban on imports of exotic birds permanent.
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1085
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The threat of avian flu is being taken seriously across Government. For DEFRA's part, and as we hold the European presidency, we are taking a lead in Europe. We are constantly updating our contingency plan and we are ever vigilant in surveying the potential spread of avian flu. Just last week, we held a table-top contingency exercise to test our avian flu contingency plan.
The threat of avian flu is being taken seriously across Government. For DEFRA's part, and as we hold the European presidency, we are taking a lead in Europe. We are constantly updating our contingency plan and we are ever vigilant in surveying the potential spread of avian flu. Just last week, we held a table-top contingency exercise to test our avian flu contingency plan.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Jim Devine
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I am sure that he is aware of the concern, not only in my constituency but throughout the country, about the damage that bird flu could do, especially following the deaths in China and other parts of Asia. What reassurance can he give the House about the action plan that he is developing to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur here?
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1085
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
As the hon. Gentleman should know, we published our latest avian flu contingency plan in July, as part of the Government's generic contingency plan for exotic diseases. Although it was made public at the time, few hon. Members noticed, because avian flu had not yet hit the headlines. The plan is constantly reviewed. Recently, we have increased the level of precaution that we intend to take in the event of an outbreak of avian flu in this country owing to the potential role played by wild birds. The plan is constantly being tested and updated, given the changing risk assessment provided by our veterinary advisers.
As the hon. Gentleman should know, we published our latest avian flu contingency plan in July, as part of the Government's generic contingency plan for exotic diseases. Although it was made public at the time, few hon. Members noticed, because avian flu had not yet hit the headlines. The plan is constantly reviewed. Recently, we have increased the level of precaution that we intend to take in the event of an outbreak of avian flu in this country owing to the potential role played by wild birds. The plan is constantly being tested and updated, given the changing risk assessment provided by our veterinary advisers.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Colin Breed
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
The Minister will know that one of the lessons learned from the foot and mouth tragedy was that action plans should be regularly tested and updated. I am interested to learn that a table-top test was held a few weeks ago. When was such a test held previously?
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1086
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The hon. Gentleman should speak to his Front-Bench colleague, the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice), to whom I have just made the point that there are those—including CITES, the organisation responsible for the conservation of rare species—who support the legitimate and regulated trade in wild birds, not just because they fear that otherwise it would be pushed underground but because there are strong conservation arguments for allowing the trade to continue, as the hon. Gentleman rightly says.
The hon. Gentleman should speak to his Front-Bench colleague, the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice), to whom I have just made the point that there are those—including CITES, the organisation responsible for the conservation of rare species—who support the legitimate and regulated trade in wild birds, not just because they fear that otherwise it would be pushed underground but because there are strong conservation arguments for allowing the trade to continue, as the hon. Gentleman rightly says.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
David Mundell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Minister accept that many people, such as Mr. Gary Wall in my constituency, carry out legitimate bird import and breeding activities? When a ban is implemented, I hope that the interests of those people will be taken into account, because—as CITES accepts and the Minister has just suggested—they are carrying out important conservation activities.
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1086-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
No, I do not accept that. As the hon. Gentleman points out, the UK is not among the largest importers of wild birds. The southern European countries—Spain, Italy and France—have a much higher level of imports. The hon. Gentleman omitted to say that CITES does not support a permanent ban on the import of wild birds, for conservation reasons.
No, I do not accept that. As the hon. Gentleman points out, the UK is not among the largest importers of wild birds. The southern European countries—Spain, Italy and France—have a much higher level of imports. The hon. Gentleman omitted to say that CITES does not support a permanent ban on the import of wild birds, for conservation reasons.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1086
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Well, it is six more sniffer dogs than any other EU member state has, and it is six more than this country had when the hon. Gentleman's party was last in power. We are spending £20 million more than his party spent on border controls of illegal imports. As my hon. Friend the Member for Livingston (Mr. Devine) has just reminded the House, we have also imposed a ban on the import of birds.
Well, it is six more sniffer dogs than any other EU member state has, and it is six more than this country had when the hon. Gentleman's party was last in power. We are spending £20 million more than his party spent on border controls of illegal imports. As my hon. Friend the Member for Livingston (Mr. Devine) has just reminded the House, we have also imposed a ban on the import of birds.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Michael Fabricant
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
I know that the Department is taking the matter seriously, but I must ask whether the Treasury is also doing so. I have pressed the Minister on this issue before, but I must do so again. Why will there be only six sniffer dogs at British ports to detect the illegal importation of birds and other animals? With only six sniffer dogs available, and each animal able to work for only five hours at a time, how can that stop the illegal importation of such birds?
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1085-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If she will make the temporary ban on imports of exotic birds permanent.
If she will make the temporary ban on imports of exotic birds permanent.
Asked by
Jim Devine
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 November 2005
For answer on
17 November 2005
Answered on
17 November 2005
The European Union ban on the import of captive birds has been extended until 31 January 2006. The Government are considering the arguments for and against a permanent ban. That will be discussed with EU and trading partners in the months to come. Subject to certain conditions, restrictions placed on gatherings of pigeons will be lifted today.
Subjects
Birds; Import controls; Imports; Quarantine
Date
17 November 2005
Reference
439 c1085; 29228
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken to ensure that imports of beef do not enter the United Kingdom from regions of Brazil which accept movements of beef from those regions where foot and mouth has been detected in cattle.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken to ensure that imports of beef do not enter the United Kingdom from regions of Brazil which accept movements of beef from those regions where foot and mouth has been detected in cattle.
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 November 2005
For answer on
15 November 2005
Answered on
15 November 2005
Each consignment of imported meat must be accompanied by appropriate health certification. The certificate confirms the territory from which the animals originated. In addition the animal must have been subjected to ante- and post-mortem inspection and the meat must be deboned and matured. This process ensures that imported meat does not present a risk.All meat imported into the EU from third countries must enter at designated Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where it is subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks and at least 20 per cent. of consignments undergo physical checks. These ensure import conditions are met and that the products remain in a satisfactory condition during transport.
Subjects
Disease control; Foot and mouth disease; Import controls; Imports; Beef; Brazil
Date
15 November 2005
Reference
439 c1065W;439 c1065W; 28800
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many smuggled birds were seized by HM Customs and Excise entering the UK (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and what checks were made for avian influenza among these birds;
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many smuggled birds were seized by HM Customs and Excise entering the UK (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and what checks were made for avian influenza among these birds;
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 October 2005
For answer on
31 October 2005
Answered on
9 November 2005
There is little hard evidence on the volume of illegal trade as by its nature only an uncertain proportion is detected. We do not have EU figures for seizures of illegally imported birds.Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seize imported live birds where import is in contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In 2004 HMRC seized 2,922 live birds. The provisional figure so far for 2005 is 313 birds. These figures include birds that are seized as a result of regulatory breaches as well as those which are smuggled.Rare species of birds which are seized by HMRC are normally donated to zoos or other conservation groups. These birds are quarantined and tested for disease including the avian influenza virus.Any other live birds found would be detained by HMRC and handed over to the relevant competent authorities (the state veterinary service/local authority) at points of entry. They too would be quarantined and tested.I can assure you that in the current heightened disease situation, all enforcement bodies are being more vigilant for signs of illegal trade or movement of birds.
Subjects
Birds; Customs; Disease control; Import controls; Imports; Smuggling; Avian influenza
Date
9 November 2005
Reference
23814; 439 c478-9W;439 c478-9W
House
House of Commons
(2) what information she has received on the number of smuggled birds seized entering the European Union (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and whether checks were made for avian influenza among these birds.
(2) what information she has received on the number of smuggled birds seized entering the European Union (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and whether checks were made for avian influenza among these birds.
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 October 2005
For answer on
31 October 2005
Answered on
9 November 2005
There is little hard evidence on the volume of illegal trade as by its nature only an uncertain proportion is detected. We do not have EU figures for seizures of illegally imported birds.Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seize imported live birds where import is in contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In 2004 HMRC seized 2,922 live birds. The provisional figure so far for 2005 is 313 birds. These figures include birds that are seized as a result of regulatory breaches as well as those which are smuggled.Rare species of birds which are seized by HMRC are normally donated to zoos or other conservation groups. These birds are quarantined and tested for disease including the avian influenza virus.Any other live birds found would be detained by HMRC and handed over to the relevant competent authorities (the state veterinary service/local authority) at points of entry. They too would be quarantined and tested.I can assure you that in the current heightened disease situation, all enforcement bodies are being more vigilant for signs of illegal trade or movement of birds.
Subjects
Birds; Customs; European Union; Disease control; Import controls; Imports; Smuggling; Avian influenza
Date
9 November 2005
Reference
23815; 439 c478-9W;439 c478-9W
House
House of Commons
Yes, we have been considering that, and if the research that we have been doing proves to be useful in this important work, we will certainly take a serious look at it. That is on top of a number of other measures that we have taken, including £29 million of expenditure over three years, 100 new dedicated customs officers and 10 sniffer dogs operating at our airports and ports. The National Audit Office recently published a very complimentary report on the work of customs in detecting illegal imports.
Yes, we have been considering that, and if the research that we have been doing proves to be useful in this important work, we will certainly take a serious look at it. That is on top of a number of other measures that we have taken, including £29 million of expenditure over three years, 100 new dedicated customs officers and 10 sniffer dogs operating at our airports and ports. The National Audit Office recently published a very complimentary report on the work of customs in detecting illegal imports.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Randall of Uxbridge
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank the Minister for his reply. Have the Government looked at new imaging technologies to detect meat and plant material in personal luggage?
Subjects
Disease control; Import controls; Imports; Meat; X-rays; Smuggling
Date
9 June 2005
Reference
434 c1380
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It is impossible to eliminate completely the risk from illegal imports, but a number of measures that the Government have taken to improve prevention, detection and domestic biosecurity have, we believe, reduced the risk.
It is impossible to eliminate completely the risk from illegal imports, but a number of measures that the Government have taken to improve prevention, detection and domestic biosecurity have, we believe, reduced the risk.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Randall of Uxbridge
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment she has made of the threat to biosecurity from illegal meat imports.
Subjects
Disease control; Import controls; Imports; Meat; X-rays; Smuggling
Date
9 June 2005
Reference
434 c1380
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What assessment she has made of the threat to biosecurity from illegal meat imports.
What assessment she has made of the threat to biosecurity from illegal meat imports.
Asked by
Lord Randall of Uxbridge
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 June 2005
For answer on
9 June 2005
Answered on
9 June 2005
It is impossible to eliminate completely the risk from illegal imports, but a number of measures that the Government have taken to improve prevention, detection and domestic biosecurity have, we believe, reduced the risk.
Subjects
Disease control; Import controls; Imports; Meat; X-rays; Smuggling
Date
9 June 2005
Reference
434 c1380; 2607
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons