HC Deb 12 June 1996 vol 279 cc202-3W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if each holding, as defined within the category of collection centres, as laid down in part 1 of the Animals and Animal Products Import and Export Regulations 1995, from which sheep have been acquired for export since 9 October 1995, has been approved for intra-Community trade as required by article 5(b) of the regulations. [30716]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 4 June 1996]: Some, but not all, holdings from which sheep have been certified since 9 October 1995 are also approved collection centres, as defined in Council directive 64/432/EEC. However, the Community legislation concerning the animal health conditions for intra-Community trade in sheep and goats does not require the places at which sheep are acquired to be approved collection centres. Sheep can be exported directly from a holding or via an approved market or assembly centre.

The purpose of the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 1995 is to implement certain pieces of Community animal health legislation, including Council directive 91/68/EEC. The regulations are made under the powers conferred on Ministers by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972. It has been drawn to our attention that, in respect of sheep, the regulations do not accurately reflect the provisions in the Community legislation. We intend to take steps to eliminate the anomalies.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he proposes to issue export health certificates in respect of sheep which are acquired through a collection centre which is approved by his Department for the purposes of intra-Community trade; [32099]

(2) if he proposes to issue export health certificates in respect of sheep which are acquired through a collection centre which is approved by him for the purposes of intra-Community trade but which at the time the sheep were acquired did not comply with the provisions relating to collection centres in Council directives 91/68/EEC. [32100]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 10 June 1996]: It is not a requirement for sheep exported to another EC member state from a holding to be purchased at an approved collection centre. Provided that they meet all other animal health requirements, sheep which are acquired through an approved collection centre can be issued with export health certificates.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what types of establishments and premises within the United Kingdom qualify as holding centers for the purposes of article 2 of Council directive 90/425/EEC. [32101]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 10 June 1996]: For the purposes of Council directive 90/425/EEC, all the places at which the animals referred to in annexes A and B of the directive are held or kept are considered to be holdings. Annexes A and B cover all live animals, including aquaculture animals.