HL Deb 06 February 1974 vol 349 cc772-3

2.38 p.m.

BARONESS STOCKS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of their assurance that no new licences are at present being given for the export of live animals for slaughter, they can say how many such animals are still being exported under old licences still in force.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL FERRERS)

My Lords, no animals are now being exported for slaughter overseas as there are no old licences still in force. The export of live animals overland from Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic is not subject to licensing control, and such exports are continuing.

BARONESS STOCKS

My Lords, am I not right in thinking that there are still unexpired old licences which allow the export of live animals?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, there are no unexpired licences which permit the export of live animals for slaughter. The last one came to an end on January 16, and the last exports of animals for slaughter under the old licences, took place in the week ending January 5, when 33 animals were exported.

BARONESS STOCKS

Can I be assured then, my Lords, and can I assure my correspondents, that in fact no animals for slaughter are now being exported under any licences at all?

EARL FERRERS

The noble Baroness is quite correct. She may assure her correspondents that no animals are being exported for slaughter, and that there are no licences in existence now which permit that.

BARONESS STOCKS

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his Answer.

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, could my noble friend say what effect this ban on the export of live cattle has on the home price to the British farmer for beef, bearing in mind the fall in the value of beef over the last twelve months, and especially relating this to the vast increase in the cost of foodstuffs?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, it would be quite a complicated exercise to work that out, but in view of the fact that only 33 animals were exported in January I doubt whether it would have any significant effect.