asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the European Commission proposals on veterinary controls and rules in intraCommunity trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Veterinary Controls.
80.
In the context of the realisation of the Internal Market the Commission of the European Communities has proposed a general strategy for veterinary controls. The strategy is designed to achieve a uniformly high standard of health and hygiene in all member states before 1993 so as to reduce the risk attached to movement of animals and animal products. I fully support that approach and will be pressing for effective action to be taken in relation to the major diseases affecting livestock in the Community.
The strategy also contains a proposal to discontinue veterinary controls at the internal frontiers of the Community and to substitute a system of controls which would operate at the point of origin of the animals, or products, and which would permit subsequent spot checks. I have some misgivings about this proposal and I will aim to ensure that the measures adopted afford the necessary safeguards against the dissemination of disease.