asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to ensure that importations of ruminant animals into this country do not result in the outbreak of epidemics.

The importation of ruminating animals into Great Britain from countries other than Ireland and Canada is prohibited by the Diseases of Animals Acts, 1894–1937. In certain circumstances, I am empowered to make orders allowing specified animals to be brought into Great Britain, but such orders are made only when I am satisfied that there are adequate safeguards against the risk of introducing disease into this country.