§ 13. Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to introduce legislation to 1257 prohibit the export of live animals for slaughter.
§ 16. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many animals were exported live for slaughter in the year 1963; and what steps are being taken to replace these live exports with carcase trade.
§ Mr. PeartExports of cattle in 1963, other than those returned as for breeding or dairy purposes, totalled 161,891. Exports of sheep and goats totalled 486,458 and exports of pigs totalled 15,541. By far the greater proportion of these figures represent exports from Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic. Controls were introduced on 8th June this year which provide for a ban on the export of animals for slaughter to countries which have not given assurances about their treatment.
§ Mr. PounderCan the Minister say how many of the countries to which we export cattle have still not given this assurance?
§ Mr. ShepherdWhat is the actual net export of live animals for slaughter, taking into account the fact that a large proportion move from one part of Ireland to the other?
§ Mr. PeartI can give some breakdown of exports for last year, although it may not fully satisfy the hon. Member. I will do my best and perhaps elaborate later by letter. The figures give the comparative totals for the Irish Republic and for other countries. In 1963, cattle exports to the Irish Republic amounted to 133,700 and to other countries, 28,191; for sheep and goats, exports to the Irish Republic amounted to 397,324 and exports to other countries to 89,134, and for pigs, exports to the Irish Republic amounted to 11,370, and to other countries 4,171.
§ Captain OrrCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Irish Republic gives any guarantee about re-export?