HL Deb 25 February 1976 vol 368 cc702-3

3.2 p.m.

Lord JANNER

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 what steps they will take to ensure that all air and sea lines comply with United Kingdom animal welfare requirements, in view of the grave anxiety about the welfare of animals in transit.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 is designed to safeguard the welfare of all living creatures transported by air or by sea to and from this country. Enforcement of this order is a responsibility of the local authorties. The Government are well aware of the public anxiety about animal welfare, and their veterinary officers are always prepared to give advice to local authority inspectors as to appropriate action should any suspected breaches of the regulations be reported.

Lord JANNER

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his reply, may I ask him whether it is possible to prosecute foreign airlines for breaches of these regulations?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, early in January this year discussions took place between the Ministry of Agriculture lawyers and Corporation of London lawyers which resulted in agreement that prosecutions of foreign airlines were practicable and that recently reported cases of ill-treatment of birds and animals should be reviewed by the Corporation's lawyers with a view to prosecution where the circumstances and evidence so warranted.