To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence he will present to support the extension of the UK derogations from the EU Rabies Directive; and if he will make a statement. (114522)

Council Regulation 998/2003, on the non-commercial movement of pet animals, requires the European Commission to submit a report based on experience gained and risk evaluation. The report must be submitted to the European Parliament and Council, together with proposals for the future rabies regime for pets, by February 2007. The UK has submitted scientific and field information to contribute to the European Union review. The UK’s own review of national rabies import controls is nearing completion and I expect to consider its conclusions shortly.