Biosecurity

Mr. Peter Ainsworth
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what classification system the Government uses for biosecurity lapses.

Mr. Bradshaw
[holding answer 14 May 2007]: I assume the hon. Member is referring to biosecurity lapses in terms of animal health. Such lapses are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Due to the fact that several different pieces of legislation cover biosecurity issues, and the diverse nature of the premises and holdings covered, it would be inappropriate to implement a single, indiscriminate classification system for biosecurity lapses.