§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many farm animals were exported during the first 48 hours following the relevant regulation coming into force in January 2002 [HL3212]
§ Lord WhittyThe EU prohibition on the export of livestock from GB has been progressively lifted. Commission Decision 2002/48/EC of 23 January 2002 which allowed the resumption of pig exports from GB was implemented in England on 25 January, Wales on 26 January and Scotland on 1 February. No pigs were exported within the first 48 hours of the legislation coming into effect. Commission Decision 2002/153/EC of 20 February 2002 lifted all remaining EU foot and mouth disease (FMD)-related trade restrictions on other livestock. It was implemented in Wales on 27 February, England on 6 March and Scotland on 7 March. No exports of FMD-susceptible livestock (other than pigs) were exported from GB within 48 hours of that legislation coming into effect.
The Office International des Epizooties (OIE—the international animal health organisation) agreed on 21 January to restore the United Kingdom's status as being free from foot and mouth disease without vaccination. The 01E's decision was not legally binding but enabled the European Commission to remove the remaining EU export restrictions on certain animals, animal products and meat via Commission Decision 2002/153/EC.