Animal Health Act 2002

17 Annual review of import controls

In the 1981 Act the following section is inserted after section 10—

“10A Annual review of import controls

(1) The Ministers shall prepare a report during each financial year which will—

(a) review all activities of government departments, the Food Standards Agency, local authorities, customs, police authorities and other relevant public agencies directed to the prevention of the introduction of disease into or within England and Wales through the importation of animal products and matter, whether animate or inanimate, and other things;

(b) identify the nature, origin and quantity of such animal products and matter and stating whether the product or matter was destined for personal or commercial consumption;

(c) assess the making of any orders under section 10 of this Act;

(d) assess the effectiveness of any action taken under an order made under section 10 of this Act; and

(e) propose such further action as may, on the basis of advice given to the Ministers by suitably qualified individuals appointed as scientific advisers to the Ministers, be required to further reduce the risk of disease being imported.

(2) The Ministers shall lay their report before Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales at the end of each financial year.”