§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the advantages of withholding live animal export licences at times when disruption of the continental road system interferes with journey plans, to the detriment of the welfare of animals in transit. [10988]
§ Mrs. BrowningA licence is not required to export live farm animals to other member states of the EU. However, during periods of disruption, such as that recently caused by French lorry drivers, the Department checks closely on the circumstances prevailing at the time on routes declared to us on route plans, with a view to intervening if this is justified.