§ 60. Mr. Grant-Ferrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make orders to protect calves in transit and animals in markets.
§ Mr. SoamesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made the Transit of Calves Order, 1963. The Order provides for the protection of calves under six months of age during transit by road. The carriage of unfit calves by road in any vehicle is prohibited. Further provisions deal with feeding and watering and the construction and use of vehicles. In addition we have prepared a guide for the proper handling of young calves, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Both the Order and the guide have been prepared in collaboration with and with the support of the Farmers' Unions, the livestock auctioneers and the animal welfare societies.
A further Order to protect farm animals in markets is in preparation but extensive consultations are necessary and I cannot yet say when this Order will be made.