§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will stop the payment of export refunds on the export of live cattle to third countries; and if he will make a statement. [20891]
§ Mr. RookerThe United Kingdom does not pay export refunds on live cattle, because it is not currently allowed to export them. Any agreement to abolish export refunds on live cattle would have to be reached at Community level. Such agreement is unlikely. Nevertheless, thanks in large measure to UK pressure, the Agriculture Council has this week adopted a Commission proposal which will make the granting of refunds on live cattle subject to compliance with Community legislation on animal welfare and, in particular, the protection of animals during transport.