§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Department has collated on the number of live animals exported since 1 May; and if he will make a statement. [13964]
§ Mr. RookerThe most up-to-date information available to the Department is recorded on the Animal Movement electronic data system. From May to October 1997 inclusive, approximately 263,00 sheep/goats and 93,900 pigs were exported from Great Britain to other EU Member States. This information is provisional and subject to change. There was a significant increase in the number of sheep exported from August to October. This is consistent with normal trade patterns.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many live sheep were exported in each of the five years up to 1997; how many have been exported so far this year; what was their final destination; and if he will make a statement. [13968]
§ Mr. RookerOfficial Overseas Trade Statistics show that the following number of sheep were exported from the United Kingdom:
Number 1992 1,422,000 1993 830,000 1994 989,000 1995 756,000 1996 547,000 January-July 1997 53,000 These figures are provisional and subject to amendment. Certified destinations were principally France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the Republic of Ireland.