§ 9. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many cattle were exported for slaughter to Italy and Spain, respectively, in 1962, and to the latest convenient date in 1963.
§ Mr. du CannThere were no United Kingdom exports to Italy in 1962. In the first ten months of 1963 a total of 540 live cattle, other than for breeding, were exported. Of these 396 were exported from Northern Ireland. None of the remaining 144 cattle was exported for immediate slaughter. There were no exports to Spain in the periods concerned.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it necessary to obtain licences from my hon. Friend's Department before animals are exported for slaughter, or otherwise, and what conditions govern the granting of those licences?
§ Mr. du CannLicences are issued—except in the case of exports from Northern Ireland, which is a separate matter dealt with by the Government of Northern Ireland—on the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture. Export licensing control is imposed upon live cattle at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, which requires specific assurances from European countries before allowing the export of cattle for slaughter. The conditions are very clear and cover feeding and travel arrangements and other important matters. I am entirely satisfied that these important conditions are observed.