§ 20. Mr. Ovendenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make a statement on the review of the export trade in live food animals.
§ Mr. StrangGood progress is being made with the examination of the export trade in live food animals. The results are not yet available to Ministers but are expected shortly.
When my right hon. Friends the Minister and the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have fully studied the results of this examination, they will present their conclusions to Parliament.
§ 29. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate allegations made to him that British live food animals are being slaughtered without pre-stunning at Montereau Abattoir, in contravention of EEC directives on humane slaughter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangOfficials of my Department discussed the allegations with the French veterinary authorities in December and learned that an inquiry had been initiated into the situation at Montereau. We shall be advised of its outcome.