§ 10. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, pending the report of the inquiry into the export of cattle to the Continent, he will state what further action has been taken to ensure the humane treatment of live cattle in transit; and whether his information shows any present diminution in this traffic and a corresponding increase of the export of slaughtered carcases.
Mr. AmoryMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made the Exported Cattle Protection Order, 1957, which comes into operation80W on 26th February. This requires cattle being exported to the Continent to be rested for at least 10 hours and to be provided with food and water on approved premises at or near the place of embarkation. The Order will be strictly enforced, and every effort will be made to ensure that no unfit animal is exported. There are indications of a reduction in exports of cattle since the peak last November and December, but not of a further increase in exports of carcase meat, which also reached their peak then.