HC Deb 04 July 1974 vol 876 cc573-4
1. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about his plans to implement the O'Brien Report on the export of live animals.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. E. S. Bishop)

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) and others on 23rd May.—[Vol. 874, c. 588–90.]

Mr. Ridley

In extending my best wishes to the hon. Gentleman on his appointment, may I ask whether he is aware that it is highly desirable that the export of live animals be restarted in the light of the fact that an expert committee has now decided that there is no reason why it should not, subject to safeguards? Will he, therefore, take action, because this will greatly help farmers in this country who are in dire distress as a result of the present Government's inactivity on agriculture?

Mr. Bishop

I appreciate the hen. Gentleman's concern and the concern that has been expressed by others in the country, but he will recall that the House decided in July of last year that there should be a suspension of the export of animals for slaughter and as stores, and the O'Brien Committee was set up and reported only in March of this year. My Department called for comments on that report by 24th May, and the comments are being considered. I think it would be the wish of the House that in the meantime the suspension should continue.

Mr. Ovenden

Will my hon Friend give an assurance that, in view of the appalling cruelties involved in this practice in the past, such trade will not be resumed unless there are not only adequate safeguards but adequate methods of enforcing such safeguards?

Mr. Bishop

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern about this matter. At present, the comments of the numerous organisations in the light of the O'Brien Report are being considered. The ban is consistent with the present EEC regulations. Until we have looked at the whole matter in some depth—and that involves checking facilities on the other side of the Channel and elsewhere—and until the review has been undertaken properly, we see no reason why we should change our policy.