Explanatory note

These Regulations implement Commission Decision 98/503/EC amending Decision 96/301/EC and authorising Member States temporarily to take emergency measures against the dissemination of Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) Smith as regards Egypt (OJ No. L225, 12.8.98, p. 34) by amending the definition of “the Decision” in the Potatoes Originating in Egypt Regulations 1998 (the 1998 Regulations) (regulation 2(2)). Decision 98/503/EC revises the conditions applying to potatoes from Egypt.

The Regulations amend the 1998 Regulations to set a fee of £35 where a sample of potatoes is taken for the purpose of ascertaining whether the potatoes are infected with Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) Smith (regulation 2(3)). They also make a minor clarificatory amendment to regulation 6 of the 1998 Regulations (regulation 2(4)).

A Regulatory Impact Assessment in relation to these Regulations has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament, and copies can be obtained from the Plant Health Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Foss House, Kings Pool, 1–2 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX.