HC Deb 02 July 1992 vol 210 cc703-4W
Mr. Stevenson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, during the United Kingdom presidency of the EC, he plans to try to secure an overall journey time limit for slaughter animals.

Mr. Soames

In our presidency role, we will be seeking to ensure that the Council reaches agreement on the additional rules which need to be adopted before 1 January 1993, when directive 91/628 on protection of animals during transport comes into effect. The United Kingdom delegation will emphasise in particular the need for a strict limitation on the time that animals can travel without rest, food or water.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many horses, ponies and other equines were exported for slaughter during the past year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

No licences for the export of equines from Great Britain for slaughter have been issued. The European Community has recognised the special needs of equines and this is reflected in directive 91/628 on the protection of animals during transport.