1-20 of 170 results for subject:Imports
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.235 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.006 seconds
- Search query
- subject:Imports
- We searched for
- subject_t:Imports OR subject_ses:91618
Answering member
X
Ben Bradshaw
Type
+
Members' contributions (24)
-
Oral answers to questions (18)
-
Oral questions (6)
+
Parliamentary proceedings (3)
+
Debates (2)
-
Adjournment debates (1)
-
Opposition days (1)
-
Urgent questions (1)
+
Parliamentary questions (150)
-
Oral questions (6)
-
Urgent questions (1)
-
Written questions (143)
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
More
Answering member
More
Bradshaw, Ben (170)
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
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 ruminants arrived in Dover by ferry from Calais on 5 May 2007.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether ruminants arrived in Dover by ferry from Calais on 5 May 2007.
Asked by
Bill Wiggin
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 May 2007
For answer on
17 May 2007
Answered on
24 May 2007
Animal Health have found no record of ruminant animals being imported from Calais via Dover on 5 May 2007.
Subjects
Animals; Imports
Date
24 May 2007
Reference
138303; 460 c1405W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which public body is responsible for stopping ruminants from northern France being landed at Dover.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which public body is responsible for stopping ruminants from northern France being landed at Dover.
Asked by
Bill Wiggin
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 May 2007
For answer on
16 May 2007
Answered on
21 May 2007
Animal Health (formerly known as the State Veterinary Service) is responsible for monitoring imports of animals into the UK.
Subjects
Animals; Imports
Date
21 May 2007
Reference
137651; 460 c1032W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) date of arrival in the UK, (b) species, (c) country of export and (d) cause of death was of each non-human primate imported for research purposes which was found to be dead on arrival in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) date of arrival in the UK, (b) species, (c) country of export and (d) cause of death was of each non-human primate imported for research purposes which was found to be dead on arrival in...
Asked by
Mike Hancock
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 April 2007
For answer on
26 April 2007
Answered on
8 May 2007
Records held by DEFRA show that, in the years between 2003 and 2006, no primate imported for research was dead on arrival into the UK.
Subjects
Animal experiments; Imports; Primates
Date
8 May 2007
Reference
134558; 460 c47W;460 c48W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) longest and (b) average recorded journey time for non-human primates imported into the United Kingdom for research purposes from (i) China, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) Vietnam, (iv) Israel, (v) the Philippines and (vi) Indonesia was in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) longest and (b) average recorded journey time for non-human primates imported into the United Kingdom for research purposes from (i) China, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) Vietnam, (iv) Israel, (v) the Philippines and (vi) Indonesia was in...
Asked by
Mike Hancock
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 April 2007
For answer on
26 April 2007
Answered on
8 May 2007
DEFRA does not hold the information requested.
Subjects
Animal experiments; Imports; Primates
Date
8 May 2007
Reference
134559; 460 c47W;460 c48W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dolphins were imported into the United Kingdom from Japan in each of the last 10 years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dolphins were imported into the United Kingdom from Japan in each of the last 10 years.
Asked by
Lindsay Hoyle
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 March 2007
For answer on
5 March 2007
Answered on
12 March 2007
No dead or live dolphins have been imported into the United Kingdom from Japan during the last 10 years.
Subjects
Imports; Dolphins; Japan
Date
12 March 2007
Reference
458 c12W; 125630
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what checks his Department has made on imports of (a) food, (b) animals and (c) foodstuffs into Wales from Hungary over the past six months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what checks his Department has made on imports of (a) food, (b) animals and (c) foodstuffs into Wales from Hungary over the past six months.
Asked by
Cheryl Gillan
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 February 2007
For answer on
20 February 2007
Answered on
27 February 2007
It is the responsibility of the authorities in each EU member state to ensure that animals and products produced there meet EU requirements and are moved to other member states in accordance with rules set out in EU law. Food derived from animals must be accompanied by a commercial document when it is moved between member states, and live animals must be accompanied by an official health certificate issued by the authorities in the member state of origin.There are no routine checks on food of animal origin or live animals at the point of entry into another member state. Checks may be conducted on imported consignments at their destination. In general this will only be known for specific consignments in the case of live animals whose movement is recorded on an EU-wide computer system called TRACES, which is used to produce the health certificate. If, however, the authorities in any member state have information that a consignment of food of animal origin or of live animals does not meet Community requirements, they may carry out checks on that consignment at any stage in its movement and may take appropriate action if it is confirmed that it does not meet the necessary requirements.In the specific case of Hungary, the authorities there have implemented the measures required under EU law to prevent the movement of susceptible animals and food products from areas under restriction because of avian influenza, except where those movements are permitted under EU rules.The EU TRACES system indicates that two horses have entered the UK from Hungary in the last three months, neither of which went to Wales, although it should be noted that certain ““registered”” horses do not need to travel with a health certificate and therefore do not need to be recorded on the TRACES system. Data are not available on the system prior to that.
Subjects
Food; Imports
Date
27 February 2007
Reference
457 c1182-3W;457 c1166-7W; 122100
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much meat from (a) geese and (b) turkeys was imported into the UK from (i) Hungary, (ii) Europe and (iii) the rest of the world in each of the last six months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much meat from (a) geese and (b) turkeys was imported into the UK from (i) Hungary, (ii) Europe and (iii) the rest of the world in each of the last six months.
Asked by
Bill Wiggin
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 February 2007
For answer on
21 February 2007
Answered on
27 February 2007
The following table gives the value and volume of turkey and duck, geese or guinea fowl meat products imported to the UK in each month, from July to December 2006, from Hungary, Europe (all of which are from the EU) and the rest of the world. It is not possible to entirely separate imports of geese meat products from the combined category duck, geese or guinea fowl. December 2006 figures are currently the latest which are available.
| 2006 | ||||||||||||
| July | August | September | October | November | December | |||||||
| Country/region and type | £000 | Tonnes | £000 | Tonnes | £000 | Tonnes | £000 | Tonnes | £000 | Tonnes | £000 | Tonnes |
| Hungary | ||||||||||||
| Turkey | 3,295 | 1,694 | 1,658 | 792 | 3,153 | 1,393 | 3,371 | 1,478 | 4,022 | 1,622 | 3,633 | 1,604 |
| Duck, Geese or Guinea Fowl | 61 | 36 | 78 | 39 | 203 | 102 | 334 | 216 | 387 | 185 | 196 | 97 |
| European Union (including Hungary) | ||||||||||||
| Turkey | 8,776 | 3,931 | 7,008 | 2,556 | 8,216 | 3,729 | 12,098 | 5,240 | 14,447 | 5,886 | 17,398 | 6,931 |
| Duck, Geese or Guinea Fowl | 3,723 | 1,719 | 3,554 | 1,482 | 3,363 | 1,492 | 4,703 | 2,125 | 5,314 | 2,193 | 4,088 | 1,663 |
| Rest of the world | ||||||||||||
| Turkey | 105 | 69 | 248 | 165 | 220 | 147 | 295 | 182 | 98 | 55 | 118 | 65 |
| Notes: | ||||||||||||
| 1. Some additional turkey and geese meat products may be imported which are not separately identifiable from other poultry. | ||||||||||||
| 2. 2006 data are subject to amendments | ||||||||||||
| Source: | ||||||||||||
| HM Revenue and Customs | ||||||||||||
| Data prepared by Trade statistics, Agricultural Statistics and Analysis Division, DEFRA |
Subjects
Imports; Poultry
Date
27 February 2007
Reference
457 c1174-6W;457 c1158-60W; 122267
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many seizures there were of wild birds illegally imported into the UK in the 12 months (a) before and (b) since October 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many seizures there were of wild birds illegally imported into the UK in the 12 months (a) before and (b) since October 2005.
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
14 December 2006
For answer on
18 December 2006
Answered on
10 January 2007
From October 2004 to September 2005, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) made seven seizures of wild birds illegally imported into the UK under their border enforcement powers relating to the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). These comprised 311 wild birds in total.From October 2005 to October 2006 HMRC made three seizures of wild birds illegally imported into the UK under their powers relating to CITES. These comprised three wild birds in total.
Subjects
Birds; Imports; Smuggling
Date
10 January 2007
Reference
112693; 455 c596W;455 c594W
House
House of Commons
I am delighted to congratulate my hon. Friend’s local butcher on such a tremendous success. If she could arrange for them to send a small sample, I should be very happy to try it for myself.
I am delighted to congratulate my hon. Friend’s local butcher on such a tremendous success. If she could arrange for them to send a small sample, I should be very happy to try it for myself.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Mary Creagh
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am sure that my hon. Friend will join me in congratulating Hofmann and Sons butchers in Wakefield, whose large pork pie has just won best in show at the Great Yorkshire pork pie and sausage show. That is the world cup for pork pies. May I encourage all hon. Members who wish to place their orders to do so through my office before Christmas?
Subjects
Imports; Meat
Date
2 November 2006
Reference
451 c451
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes, we impress that on the Commission on a regular basis. It was largely as a result of UK intervention that the Commission recently made a return visit to Brazil, which was one of the countries that had been causing concern among hon. Members. We understand that the Commission was satisfied by that visit, and does not believe that there is any reason to follow up suggestions for a blanket ban on Brazilian imports. We work constantly to ensure that the Commission takes seriously its responsibilities in that regard, and we believe that it does so.
Yes, we impress that on the Commission on a regular basis. It was largely as a result of UK intervention that the Commission recently made a return visit to Brazil, which was one of the countries that had been causing concern among hon. Members. We understand that the Commission was satisfied by that visit, and does not believe that there is any reason to follow up suggestions for a blanket ban on Brazilian imports. We work constantly to ensure that the Commission takes seriously its responsibilities in that regard, and we believe that it does so.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Robert Smith
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Minister recognise that this country’s traceability regime ensures that UK consumers can have absolute confidence in the quality and safety of UK production? Will he therefore impress upon the Commission that the checks need to be robust, to ensure that the same standards are being applied elsewhere? There are costs involved in the traceability scheme in this country, and consumers and producers need a fair and level playing field for meat production.
Subjects
Imports; Meat
Date
2 November 2006
Reference
451 c451
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It is not fair to describe the way in which the scare last week was handled as chaotic. It was handled extremely well. The hon. Gentleman is wrong about the state veterinary service. I am pleased to be able to put on record here and now in the House that the state veterinary service is one of the few bits of the DEFRA family that is not affected by the current savings. I know that because I am the Minister responsible, and I protected it specifically—[Interruption.] That is not the case. They have moved £3 million—
The hon. Gentleman continues to shout from a sedentary position, but the state veterinary service has not had its budget cut, unlike most of DEFRA and the DEFRA family. It has moved £3 million from revenue to capital. I have great confidence that the state veterinary service and other officials on the ground will do their utmost to ensure that what the hon. Gentleman fears will not happen. He knows very well that there is no such thing as 100 per cent. certainty that there will never be another animal disease outbreak in this country. Indeed, we have had some this year. There have been two avian flu outbreaks, and they were coped with excellently by the state veterinary service and by DEFRA staff. I would hope that, rather than criticise them, the hon. Gentleman will praise them for their success.
It is not fair to describe the way in which the scare last week was handled as chaotic. It was handled extremely well. The hon. Gentleman is wrong about the state veterinary service. I am pleased to be able to put on record here and now in the House that the state veterinary service is one of the few bits of the DEFRA family that is not affected by the current savings. I know that because I am the Minister responsible, and I protected it specifically—[Interruption.] That is not the case. They have moved £3 million—
The hon. Gentleman continues to shout from a sedentary position, but the state veterinary service has not had its budget cut, unlike most of DEFRA and the DEFRA family. It has moved £3 million from revenue to capital. I have great confidence that the state veterinary service and other officials on the ground will do their utmost to ensure that what the hon. Gentleman fears will not happen. He knows very well that there is no such thing as 100 per cent. certainty that there will never be another animal disease outbreak in this country. Indeed, we have had some this year. There have been two avian flu outbreaks, and they were coped with excellently by the state veterinary service and by DEFRA staff. I would hope that, rather than criticise them, the hon. Gentleman will praise them for their success.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
James Paice
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
The previous outbreak of foot and mouth was alleged to have been caused by imported meat. Thank goodness last week’s scare about another outbreak proved to be a false alarm; I am sure that we are all extremely relieved about that. Will the Minister tell us how he will ensure that no disease is imported in future, and how any further outbreaks will be contained, given that he is cutting £5.5 million from the two agencies designed to protect us and our livestock—the state veterinary service and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, which was responsible for identifying the avian flu in the Cellardyke swan? If any future outbreak is handled as chaotically as past outbreaks have been, who will be accountable—another official, or the Minister who cut the funds?
Why don’t you answer?
Subjects
Imports; Meat
Date
2 November 2006
Reference
451 c451-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Countries that export meat to the EU must first be approved on the basis of an inspection by the European Commission, which includes an assessment of their systems to ensure traceability. On arrival, health certificates and identification marks, which identify the origin of the meat, are checked by UK officials.
Countries that export meat to the EU must first be approved on the basis of an inspection by the European Commission, which includes an assessment of their systems to ensure traceability. On arrival, health certificates and identification marks, which identify the origin of the meat, are checked by UK officials.
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Asked by
Robert Smith
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
What steps his Department is taking to ensure the traceability of all meat imports.
Subjects
Imports; Meat
Date
2 November 2006
Reference
451 c451
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What steps his Department is taking to ensure the traceability of all meat imports.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure the traceability of all meat imports.
Asked by
Robert Smith
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 October 2006
For answer on
2 November 2006
Answered on
2 November 2006
Countries that export meat to the EU must first be approved on the basis of an inspection by the European Commission, which includes an assessment of their systems to ensure traceability. On arrival, health certificates and identification marks, which identify the origin of the meat, are checked by UK officials.
Subjects
Imports; Meat
Date
2 November 2006
Reference
451 c451; 98807
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of beef and beef products were imported into the UK from (a) other EU member states and (b) other countries in (i) 2004 and (ii) 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of beef and beef products were imported into the UK from (a) other EU member states and (b) other countries in (i) 2004 and (ii) 2005.
Asked by
Peter Luff
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 June 2006
For answer on
28 June 2006
Answered on
6 July 2006
The following table shows imports of beef and beef products into the UK split by EU countries and other countries.
| Imports of beef and beef products into the UK | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnes | ||||
| EU/Non-EU | Beef product | Country | 2004 | 2005 |
| EU | Beef (fresh or chilled) | Irish Republic | 130,020 | 108,270 |
| Netherlands | 10,134 | 9,165 | ||
| Germany | 4,794 | 2,805 | ||
| Poland | 2,340 | 2,760 | ||
| Denmark | 1,779 | 1,412 | ||
| France | 1,698 | 1,416 | ||
| Belgium | 1,621 | 1,315 | ||
| Italy | 1,492 | 975 | ||
| Other | 430 | 227 | ||
| Beef Product | Irish Republic | 69,458 | 94,430 | |
| Netherlands | 5,758 | 5,861 | ||
| Germany | 3,063 | 4,794 | ||
| Denmark | 4,510 | 1,972 | ||
| France | 2,494 | 2,776 | ||
| Belgium | 1,495 | 1,926 | ||
| Sweden | 502 | 747 | ||
| Poland | 422 | 287 | ||
| Other | 710 | 529 | ||
| Beef (frozen) | Irish Republic | 29,567 | 28,270 | |
| Germany | 5,341 | 6,400 | ||
| Italy | 7,622 | 3,006 | ||
| Netherlands | 6,980 | 3,497 | ||
| France | 5,064 | 2,370 | ||
| Belgium | 3,208 | 2,558 | ||
| Spain | 1,388 | 622 | ||
| Denmark | 877 | 682 | ||
| Poland | 384 | 634 | ||
| Other | 142 | 32 | ||
| EU Total | 303,291 | 289,737 | ||
| Non-EU | Beef Product | Brazil | 59,008 | 53,576 |
| Argentina | 9,101 | 7,574 | ||
| Uruguay | 4,233 | 4,987 | ||
| South Africa | 388 | 254 | ||
| Botswana | 285 | 201 | ||
| New Zealand | 32 | 311 | ||
| Other | 607 | 255 | ||
| Beef (fresh or chilled) | Brazil | 13,826 | 13,811 | |
| Argentina | 6,110 | 6,647 | ||
| Namibia | 5,723 | 5,649 | ||
| Uruguay | 4,472 | 5,669 | ||
| Australia | 5,227 | 4,631 | ||
| Botswana | 4,052 | 3,048 | ||
| Chile | 135 | 886 | ||
| Other | 303 | 209 | ||
| Beef (frozen) | Brazil | 20,785 | 18,365 | |
| Argentina | 2,531 | 2,590 | ||
| Uruguay | 1,099 | 1,202 | ||
| Botswana | 796 | 414 | ||
| Namibia | 489 | 213 | ||
| Other | 183 | 137 | ||
| Non-EU Total | 139,384 | 130,628 | ||
| Grand Total | 442,675 | 420,365 | ||
| Notes: 1. Data prepared by Trade statistics, Agricultural Statistics and Analysis Division, DEFRA. 2. 2005 data is subject to amendments. 3. EU data based on EU 25. Source: H M Revenue and Customs |
Subjects
Imports; Beef
Date
6 July 2006
Reference
81208; 448 c1285-6W
House
House of Commons
(2) what the most recent date on which beef imported into the UK was tested for residues of oestradiol; and how many samples were collected.
(2) what the most recent date on which beef imported into the UK was tested for residues of oestradiol; and how many samples were collected.
Asked by
Peter Luff
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 June 2006
For answer on
28 June 2006
Answered on
5 July 2006
In 2004, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) organised the testing of 301 samples of imported beef for trenbolone and zeranol (one sample was found to be of UK origin and one was unassailable on arrival at the laboratory).Of the 299 assayable imported samples, 82 were from other EU member states and 217 were from other countries. No detectable residues of either trenbolone or zeranol were found in 2004, which was also the case in 2003. Trenbolone and zeranol were therefore removed from the imports surveillance programme for 2005 on the recommendation of the independent veterinary residues committee, which oversees the surveillance work of the VMD and advises the food standards agency on relevant surveys. They may be included again in the future.
Testing was not carried out for the other listed substances in 2004 and 2005 and imported beef has not been tested for residues of oestradiol. All of the results of the VMD’s surveillance for residues of veterinary medicines and other substances are published in its quarterly magazine, (MAVIS) available from its website at: www.vmd.gov.ukOestradiol is a naturally occurring hormone. It will be present in beef at varying concentrations, dependant on the physiological state of the animal when it was slaughtered, and also its sex and age. Muscle, which is the matrix available for testing is not ideal. The EU’s community reference laboratory recommends serum, which is not available in imported beef.Scientific advice from two of the UK’s national reference laboratories for veterinary residues analysis is that any difference in concentrations between untreated animals and those treated with exogenous oestradiol is very small. So, distinguishing between them would be unlikely. Therefore no testing has been carried out on imported beef in the last 10 years. Responsibility for testing produce from non-EU member states rests with the country of entry into the EU. Once produce has entered the EU, it should have free circulation within all member states, as part of the single market.EU legislation imposes a series of health and supervisory requirements on non-EU countries before they export food to the EU. These are designed to ensure that imported animals and animal products meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, member states. The use of the listed substances as growth promoting hormones is banned in the EU, and therefore they should not be present in beef imported into the EU.The European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office check on compliance with such legislation in EU and non-EU countries exporting to the EU.
| 2003 | 2004 | |||
| Substance | Samples | Positive | Samples | Positive |
| Trenbolone | 300 | — | 299 | — |
| Zeranol | 300 | — | 299 | — |
Subjects
Imports; Beef
Date
5 July 2006
Reference
81210; 448 c1142-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many samples of imported beef and beef products from (a) other EU member states and (b) other countries were tested for residues of (i) oestradiol, (ii) testosterone, (iii) progesterone, (iv) zeranol, (v) trenbolone and (vi) melegesterol...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many samples of imported beef and beef products from (a) other EU member states and (b) other countries were tested for residues of (i) oestradiol, (ii) testosterone, (iii) progesterone, (iv) zeranol, (v) trenbolone and (vi) melegesterol...
Asked by
Peter Luff
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 June 2006
For answer on
28 June 2006
Answered on
5 July 2006
In 2004, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) organised the testing of 301 samples of imported beef for trenbolone and zeranol (one sample was found to be of UK origin and one was unassailable on arrival at the laboratory).Of the 299 assayable imported samples, 82 were from other EU member states and 217 were from other countries. No detectable residues of either trenbolone or zeranol were found in 2004, which was also the case in 2003. Trenbolone and zeranol were therefore removed from the imports surveillance programme for 2005 on the recommendation of the independent veterinary residues committee, which oversees the surveillance work of the VMD and advises the food standards agency on relevant surveys. They may be included again in the future.
Testing was not carried out for the other listed substances in 2004 and 2005 and imported beef has not been tested for residues of oestradiol. All of the results of the VMD’s surveillance for residues of veterinary medicines and other substances are published in its quarterly magazine, (MAVIS) available from its website at: www.vmd.gov.ukOestradiol is a naturally occurring hormone. It will be present in beef at varying concentrations, dependant on the physiological state of the animal when it was slaughtered, and also its sex and age. Muscle, which is the matrix available for testing is not ideal. The EU’s community reference laboratory recommends serum, which is not available in imported beef.Scientific advice from two of the UK’s national reference laboratories for veterinary residues analysis is that any difference in concentrations between untreated animals and those treated with exogenous oestradiol is very small. So, distinguishing between them would be unlikely. Therefore no testing has been carried out on imported beef in the last 10 years. Responsibility for testing produce from non-EU member states rests with the country of entry into the EU. Once produce has entered the EU, it should have free circulation within all member states, as part of the single market.EU legislation imposes a series of health and supervisory requirements on non-EU countries before they export food to the EU. These are designed to ensure that imported animals and animal products meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, member states. The use of the listed substances as growth promoting hormones is banned in the EU, and therefore they should not be present in beef imported into the EU.The European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office check on compliance with such legislation in EU and non-EU countries exporting to the EU.
| 2003 | 2004 | |||
| Substance | Samples | Positive | Samples | Positive |
| Trenbolone | 300 | — | 299 | — |
| Zeranol | 300 | — | 299 | — |
Subjects
Imports; Beef
Date
5 July 2006
Reference
81209; 448 c1142-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the UK poultry industry of imports of surplus meat from other EU countries following outbreaks of avian influenza.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the UK poultry industry of imports of surplus meat from other EU countries following outbreaks of avian influenza.
Asked by
Albert Owen
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 May 2006
For answer on
17 May 2006
Answered on
5 June 2006
Imports of poultry meat into the UK from some EU countries has affected the domestic wholesale market. There is nothing illegal about this practice, which is consistent with Single European Market principles. Further, it is anticipated that recent high levels of imports will begin to fall away as surplus European supplies diminish.
Subjects
Imports; Poultry
Date
5 June 2006
Reference
447 c100-1W; 72069
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many birds were imported into the (a) UK and (b) EU in each year between 2000 and 2005; and how many were of (i) wild-caught, (ii) captive-bred, (iii) ranched and (iv) farmed origin in each year.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many birds were imported into the (a) UK and (b) EU in each year between 2000 and 2005; and how many were of (i) wild-caught, (ii) captive-bred, (iii) ranched and (iv) farmed origin in each year.
Asked by
Shona McIsaac
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 April 2006
For answer on
27 April 2006
Answered on
5 June 2006
I have been asked to reply.I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.
Subjects
Birds; Imports
Date
5 June 2006
Reference
67041; 447 c11W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many pheasants have been imported from France in each of the last 10 years; whether bird imports are still permitted; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many pheasants have been imported from France in each of the last 10 years; whether bird imports are still permitted; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Laurence Robertson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 March 2006
For answer on
27 March 2006
Answered on
25 May 2006
[holding answer 27 March 2006]: The EU-wide system for recording the number of livestock imported into each member state, TRACES, does not differentiate between different types of game birds. Further, there are inconsistencies in the way that data can be inputted and interpreted so the available figures are not reliable. However, the database does show that, to date, no game birds have been imported into the UK from France in 2006.Representatives from the shooting industry in this country estimate that around three million pheasants are imported every year into the UK.If avian influenza was confirmed or even strongly suspected in wild birds or poultry, then trade in live birds from the affected zone would stop.
Subjects
Imports; Pheasants
Date
25 May 2006
Reference
61045; 446 c1917-8W
House
House of Commons