§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will indicate how many animals were found at ports to be unfit to travel further in(a) 1992 and (b) so far in 1993.
§ Mr. SoamesIn 1992 the number of farm animals inspected at portal lairages in Great Britain and found unfit for their international journey was 28,070. Since 1 January this year veterinary inspection of animals for journeys extending beyond United Kingdom territory has been carried out at the point of origin. Numbers of animals so inspected and found to be unfit for their journey are not recorded centrally.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many letters she has received from members of the public indicating that they have seen unsatisfactory treatment of animals in transit so far this year; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesVery few representations are received giving first-hand accounts of unsatisfactory treatment of animals in transit. The great majority of the letters received about the transport of animals are the result of general campaigns by animal welfare organisations.
§ Mr. DowdTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations have been received on the subject of the transportation of live animals since 1 November.
§ Mr. SoamesSince 1 November the Government have received nearly 17,000 pieces of correspondence, and 10 petitions representing 740 signatures, on the transportation of animals.