HL Deb 20 June 1978 vol 393 cc950-1

2.44 p.m.

Lord DE CLIFFORD

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to make an order under Section 8 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 requiring the destination of shipments of exported animals to be declared.

Lord STRAGOLBI

My Lords, exporters are already asked, in connection with their application for a certificate to the effect that the animals are fit to travel, to declare the final destination abroad. The effect of this part of Section 8 of the 1976 Act is to enable Ministers to require both this and other information to be provided.

Lord DE CLIFFORD

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, is he aware that in 1976, when this Bill was going through another place, the Minister gave an undertaking that he would produce an order within one year? That year has been slightly extended, and perhaps we could be told why.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, as the noble Lord probably knows, there has been a very full departmental inquiry which was published in March, and the Government hope to make a Statement when all the representations have been considered and when they have formed their views on this important subject.