§ 26. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what undertakings have been given by the Government of the Republic of Eire with regard to the non-re-exportation of live animals, imported from the United Kingdom, to those foreign countries to which the exportation of live animals from the United Kingdom is forbidden.
§ Mr. PeartNone. The export of live animals for slaughter from Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic is not subject to control except that, when it is known that such animals are destined for shipment to another country the same control is applied as if they were to be shipped direct to that country. The export of live animals for slaughter from Great Britain to the Republic is not at present permitted.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied with the undertaking he has received about transfer to other countries? May not this be used as a backdoor method of getting live exports from the United Kingdom to countries which do not comply with the satisfactory conditions of slaughtering?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. and learned Gentleman has been dealing with questions concerning the Republic of Ireland which affect Northern Ireland. I am prepared to consult the Home Secretary with a view to discussing the matter with the Government of Northern Ireland. On the wider issue of the Balfour assurances, it may be that this is the sort of matter about which we could have action in the Council of Europe.