§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade under what legislation he issues licences for the export of live animals; how many licences have been refused in the last year; what is the normal period for a licence; and what is the maximum number of animals for which a licence would normally be granted.
§ Mr. MeacherThe control of exports from the United Kingdom—which for this purpose includes the Isle of Man 17W —of live cattle, sheep and pigs is currently administered under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1970, as amended. The order is made under Section 1 of the Import Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939.
Licences are valid for three months. There is no maximum number of animals for which a licence would normally be granted—it may cover more than one consignment. Licences are granted only in accordance with the recommendation of the appropriate Agriculture Department or the Isle of Man Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The figure for licences refused in the last year could only be extracted at disproportionate cost as the Department's records do not readily admit of the extraction of accurate ad hoc statistics relating to the licensing of controlled exports.