Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 (named day). It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Import Controls

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department first knew about the 7 day delay to changes in the IPAFFS IT system, following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany.

Answer

We do not recognise the assertation that there was a delay in controls being implemented. The department acted quickly to stop consignments that presented a risk.

Following the confirmation of outbreak, we immediately instructed Port Health Authorities (PHAs) across Great Britain to suspend susceptible FMD imports that posed a risk to UK biosecurity. Additionally, we immediately informed border authorities, including Dover Port Health Authority and businesses, with the first communications issued at 17:42 and 21:00 on 10 January, and implemented measures to suspend commercial and personal imports of commodities from susceptible animals.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
31568
Session
2024-26
Subjects
ICT Animals Animal products Food Foot and mouth disease Germany Import controls Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk