Member

The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee asked about the use of administrative rather than legislative powers in other areas of import controls. Our response explained that, while powers exist to control imports through statutory instruments, administrative powers are required to ensure that changes to import conditions can be made rapidly in response to emerging biosecurity and food safety risks with trading partners that are approved to export into Great Britain. The amendments reflect and build on changes already made since the United Kingdom left the EU to refine our listing procedures for imports of animals and animal products in ways that provide the flexibility and responsiveness needed to protect biosecurity and facilitate trade. The committee noted Defra’s explanation and was reassured about the use of administrative rather than legislative powers in this specific policy area.