HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c414W
Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to(a) the French Government and (b) the European Commission in order to prevent UK sheep being slaughtered in France at this year's Aid-el-Kabir festival in breach of Council Directive 93/119 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing; and if he will make a statement. [67941]

Mr. Morley

My right hon. Friend the then Minister wrote to the French Minister and to the Agriculture Commissioner in March 1998 to express concern about poor slaughter practices during the festival and to support the measures being taken to improve matters. I am sure that the French authorities remain well aware of our concern on this subject and that they will continue to take steps to contain and reduce the problem. We will keep checking the matter with them in our ongoing contacts.

Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to contact(a) the National Farmers Union and (b) the National Sheep Association to urge them to try to persuade their members not to export live sheep to France for outdoor religious slaughter during the Aid-el-Kabir festival in March; and if he will make a statement; [67939]

(2) what steps he plans to take to discourage UK farmers and exporters from sending live sheep to France for outdoor religious slaughter during the Aid-el-Kabir festival in March; and if he will make a statement; [67938]

(3) what plans he has to contact Farmers Ferry Ltd. to urge them not to carry live sheep which are destined for outdoor religious slaughter in France during this year's Aid-el-Kabir festival in March; and if he will make a statement. [67940]

Mr. Morley

The Government look to all those who produce, market, transport or export sheep to avoid trading them on in a way which will lead to their being slaughtered inhumanely or in breach of the law in other ways. We attach importance to this and will take suitable opportunities, between now and the festival, to emphasise to those concerned that this is our very firm view.