§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what action he is taking to implement the EU directive on the welfare of live animals in transit in a way that ensures the future viability of livestock markets, including those in Wales, and if he will make a statement on the impact of these measures on farmers dependent on livestock markets; [21824]
(2) when he expects to be able to set out the terms on which the EU directive on the welfare of live animals in transit is to be implemented with particular reference to (a) rest periods and (b) the conditions for allowing time at markets to be discounted from time in transit; and if he will make a statement. [21825]
§ Mrs. BrowningWe are developing our plans to implement this directive in the light of responses to our consultation paper and in full discussion with all those with an interest. We attach particular importance to developing provisions on journey time and rest, for example, which meet the requirements of the directive in a way that recognises the reality of livestock marketing practice in Great Britain. We shall set our detailed plans out in a further consultation document before finally deciding what approach to adopt.