§ 2. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the exports of live sheep from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland in the 12 months to the latest available date and in the preceding 12-month period.
§ The Minister of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. David Howell)In the 12 months ending 31st May this year, more than 178,000 live sheep were exported from Northern Ireland to the Republic. This compares with just under 125,000 in the previous 12-month period.
§ Mr. FarrI am grateful to my hon. Friend for the figures he has given. Has this trade finished now that the United Kingdom has banned live sheep exports? Furthermore, is there any evidence of sheep smuggling across the border?
§ Mr. HowellThe trade continues. The ban on live animal exports in Northern Ireland certainly would apply to any cattle or sheep direct for the Continent, although that is a small amount. It is considered impractical to restrict free movement of sheep and cattle from Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic. The main aim is to slaughter as much as possible within Northern Ireland, but movement continues and is unrestricted.