HL Deb 15 December 1986 vol 483 cc4-5

2.43 p.m.

Baroness Nicol

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that the legislation to protect the welfare of animals in transit is being implemented effectively.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

My Lords, there is extensive legislation in this country protecting the welfare of animals in transit, enforcement of which is the responsibility of local authorities. The Government believe that this legislation is being implemented effectively.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for his reply. Is he aware that there is widespread concern about abuses of the system, particularly with regard to animals transported in British transport across the Channel, then transferred to French transport and thence taken to Spain, where serious abuses take place? Is he aware that the RSPCA and members of the public are concerned about this matter? Does his department feel any responsibility for it?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, in view of recent allegations, we have imposed new conditions on exporters of sheep to France. Before export, they must provide written confirmation from a French importer of the final destination and, where appropriate, feeding and watering arrangements en route. Within seven days of shipment, they will have to provide confirmation from the importer of the time of arrival and, where appropriate, of the feeding and watering arrangements. We hope that that will tackle the problem the noble Baroness mentioned.

Lord John-Mackie

My Lords, apart from breeding animals, would it not be better if all animals for slaughter were slaughtered in this country and exported dead? That would save the terrible situation that we have seen recently in the press and on TV of animals dying on the way.

Lord Belstead

My Lords, apart from the fact that I think that that would almost certainly be in contravention of the Treaty of Rome, we believe that, provided certain welfare safeguards are met, animals can be satisfactorily exported. We intend to try to see that is the case.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that many people were deeply shocked by the report of the way sheep were treated when they were recently transported across this country for transportation to France? Is he aware that we warmly welcome the steps which his department has taken to deal with the matter?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord.