Livestock Haulage Vehicles

HC Deb 28 February 1968 vol 759 c1391

15. Mr. Jopling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the agricultural industry expressing concern over the proposal of the Government to reduce the hours worked each day by drivers of livestock haulage vehicles, because of the suffering and inhumanity which will result; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. John Mackie

None, Sir.

Mr. Jopling

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very severe disquiet felt by many people who haul livestock because of the provisions of the Transport Bill, which is now in Committee? Is he aware that the Bill is likely to put very severe on-costs on to farmers and to cause great suffering and inhumanity to many animals which are transported?

Mr. Mackie

On-costs are a different matter. However, the transport people have organised their work to ensure that they comply with the regulations for the transport of animals, and I see no reason why they should not manage to do this under the new Bill.