§ 10. Dr. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many horses and ponies were exported 705 live to Denmark in the period 1st January 1977 to 1st July 1977.
§ Mr. StrangA total of 70 horses and ponies were exported to Denmark during this period.
§ Dr. GlynIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of strong public feeling about the export of animals on the hoof for slaughter? When does he expect his departmental inquiry to report? Does he agree that the minimum levels laid down in 1973 for the export of horses are now completely out of date, because values have changed considerably?
§ Mr. StrangI cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman on the latter point. I have looked at this matter again. Because horse prices were so high when these values were fixed in 1973, they are still effectively preventing the export of horses for slaughter.
On the first point, I assure the hon. Gentleman that the review is well under way and that it will be concluded early in the new year.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that the export of live animals for slaughter over the last 10 years has got worse, not better? I suggest that the safeguards are entirely inadequate and that something must be done in response to the public outcry against this bad traffic.
§ Mr. StrangThere have been some improvements in the European context. The export of live animals from this country is carried out under much more restrictive arrangements than was previously the case. It was in response to the real concern expressed by my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend set up the present inquiry.