NEWS of an action plan to tackle illegal meat imports is just what the industry wants to hear says Stewart Houston, British Pig Executive chairman.

Defra's plan is backed by an extra £25m over three years, and takes account of an assessment of the risks of foot-and-mouth disease from illegal imports.

Customs and Excise will take responsibility for anti-smuggling controls on illegal imports of meat and other animal products imported directly from non-EU countries at ports and airports.

Mr Houston, a pig producer from near Bedale, said it was good news for the pig industry. "I acknowledge the Government has listened to the concerns we highlighted and has acted upon them," he said.

"I am particularly pleased at the move to put all responsibility in one area together with the advice package for traveller,. which is something that has been missing until now."

He applauded the move to set up a stakeholder group to discuss the draft action plan and said he looked forward to taking a positive role in the discussions.

"We will seek to ensure not only that the action plan is very robust but also the risk assessment will stand up to close scrutiny," he said. "In the short term, we would want to see Government activities such as the continued disposal of catering waste in landfill, integrated into the action plan.

"In the longer term, the industry is engaged in constructive discussion with the Government on the proposed animal health and welfare strategy. It is vitally important that such valuable initiatives are integrated with these new controls on imports."