§ Q5. Sir Gilbert Longdenasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with regard to the export of live animals.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Sir Gilbert LongdenMy right hon. Friend will be aware that there is widespread anxiety about the export of live animals, especially for slaughter, and that there is confusion about which Department of the Government is responsible for policy. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that there is nothing in the Community regulations which would prevent an all-carcase trade, and that Her Majesty's Government will continue to press our European partners to operate strictly the Balfour Assurances?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have already pressed our partners in the Community, as well as other countries, to operate the Balfour Assurances to the full. We shall continue to do so. Where it has been found that these assurances are not being carried out, Government Departments have taken action to prevent the export of live animals to the country concerned. We have also requested a discussion on the whole question of welfare arrangements and improved welfare for animals throughout the Community. Overall this is probably the most important step that we can take to get the Community to agree a policy about the export of live animals.
§ Mr. KaufmanIs the Prime Minister aware that there is utter repugnance in the country about this trade, regardless of political affiliation and regardless of our membership of the European Community, and that the consciences of many 989 people have been aroused by Press revelations about the suffering of these animals, typified by the recent feature article in the News of the World? Will the Prime Minister ensure that everything possible is done to end a trade which many people find abhorrent?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of abhorrence felt about such cases as that referred to by the hon. Gentleman and the article in the News of the World on 18th March about a specific country. As I have said, Government Departments take action where they find that these assurances are not being carried out. It would not be justifiable to take action as regards a country where all the undertakings are being observed. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will agree with that.
§ Sir R. RussellSince evidence has been sent to the Ministry about violations of the Balfour Assurances in relation to cattle, when will a suspension of licences for cattle be promulgated in view of the fact that this has already been done with sheep?
§ The Prime MinisterObservations have been sent to the Department about certain cases involving cattle. These cases are being investigated. When the conclusions are known, a decision will be taken as to whether action to suspend exports to the country concerned is necessary.
§ Mr. CallaghanIf we cannot persuade the Community on this matter, since it is perfectly simple to slaughter these animals here why not do so and abandon altogether this miserable trade?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is justifiable, when a country wishes to import live cattle and is observing the undertakings, for us to affect our exports in this way.
§ Mr. FellIs my right hon. Friend aware that this matter is very complicated at the moment? For instance, there are now allegations about ponies and horses being exported for slaughter again because the price which was arranged is now apparently too low. This is where we all came in. Could not my right hon. Friend institute an inquiry into what is going on?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat is important is that inquiries should be made into 990 any instances which are brought to our notice. I can assure the House that, wherever that happens, the inquiries are made and action follows.
§ Mr. William PriceDespite what the Prime Minister has said, is he not aware that millions of people are appalled at what is happening in animal welfare— everything from the export of live animals to blood sports—and at the fact that there does not appear to be sufficient Government action? Is it possible to consider having one Minister with responsibility in this field?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that it is necessary to have only one Minister responsible. The two Departments, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, have their clear powers. Surely the proof of this is that action has been taken wherever it has been found that the Balfour Assurances have not been observed.
§ Mr. CallaghanCould the right hon. Gentleman explain his earlier reply? How does it adversely affect our exports if we slaughter here and send the carcases abroad, rather than the live animals?
§ The Prime MinisterSimply because in many countries the markets want to buy the animals live. If that is so, they would go to other markets if they could, rather than buy carcases. But I do not understand the argument that, when we are satisfied that the assurances are carried out, as they are in this country when we import live animals from Ireland, we should make a change.