§ Mr. Jeffrey Archerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many domestic animals were exported alive to the Continent of Europe for slaughter in each of the last five years; and what checks the department enforces in order to ensure that such transportation is effected without causing undue suffering to the animals concerned.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe exports of farm animals—other than for breeding—to the countries of the European Economic Community have been as follows:—
to see that they are fit to travel. Local authority inspectors enforce animal welfare legislation providing for proper penning, ventilation, access, feeding and watering of animals during transit.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he will list the provisions of the Treaty of Rome which give the Government unilateral powers to introduce domestic or municipal legislation to ban the export of live animals for slaughter.
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§ Mr. Anthony StodartArticles 34 and 36 of the Treaty of Rome affect the powers of member Governments in respect of the export of live animals. Broadly speaking, Article 34 inhibits member Governments from unilaterally restricting their exports to fellow members of EEC, but Article 36 allows member States to take measures to protect the life and health of their animals. Hence member States can restrict exports of live animals when their health and lives would be at risk, but not otherwise.