HC Deb 18 May 1978 vol 950 cc765-6
10. Mr. Ron Thomas

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received calling for a ban on the export of live food animals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Strang

Following publication of the report by officials, my right hon. Friend the Minister is having discussions with representatives of the welfare interests and with those of the producers and exporters. He hopes to make a statement when he has considered all representations.

Mr. Thomas

Is my hon. Friend aware that 102 Members on the Government Benches have immediately signed an Early-Day Motion asking that the export of live farm animals for slaughter or further fattening should cease"? Will he bring whatever pressure he can to bear on the Leader of the House so that we can have an early debate on this matter and express in the Division Lobbies our complete opposition to this indefensible trade?

Mr. Strang

I had noticed the striking indication of the strength of feeling on the part of Members on the Government Benches on this issue.

Mr. Burden

Does the Minister agree that he produced the report because there was obviously a need for it? Does he also agree that because it has been produced and because of its importance, Government time should be allowed in the near future for a debate on the report? A debate is urgently needed. The report should not be left on the shelf for a considerable time.

Mr. Strang

I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no question of the report's being left on the shelf. As he knows, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is giving consideration to the question of a debate.

Mr. Flannery

Does my hon. Friend accept that it is pleasant to hear a voice from the other side of the Chamber agreeing with us on this matter? Does he also accept that we have immense pressures from farming communities, even on those hon. Members representing working-class areas in the cities? Is he aware that the feeling throughout this country runs far ahead of what the farmers feel? We want something to be done because we believe that the vast majority of people throughout the country feel deeply on this subject.

Mr. Strang

It is because of this concern that my right hon. Friend set up the working group. He is giving careful consideration to all points of view, in-eluding those of the welfare interests and my hon. Friends.

Mr. Haselhurst

Can it be established clearly that there is nothing inherently cruel in the transportation of animals over the water?

Mr. Strang

The hon. Gentleman will recognise that there is a great divergence of opinion on the whole question of the appropriate safeguards and regulations in this matter and on the extent to which one can reasonably expect them to be applied throughout the Continent.