Farm livestock in the U.K. (i.e. Scotland, Wales, and England) enjoys a higher and less vulnerable health status than any country in the European Community (E.C.) other than Denmark and Ireland (Eire and Ulster). There are three main reasons for this. First, the physical barriers of the sea. Only Foot and Mouth disease (F.M.D.) is known to be able to blow across the Channel and then only under very limited climatic conditions. Second, the expertise of the veterinary arm of A.D.A.S., supported by laboratories such as the A.V.R.I, at Pirbright and the C.V.L. at Weybridge. Their ability to eradicate and/or control infectious disease has been well proven over many years. Third, the national control exercised over imports of live animals and animal products. Until now, of course, M.A.F.F. has been able to exercise an efficient safeguard.

To maintain this privileged position, all three factors would have to be maintained intact. The first, the barrier of the sea, would be difficult to erode. The channel tunnel will barely dent it.