§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of sheep exports from the UK to(a) France, (b) Germany and (c) the Netherlands have been refused entry since 1 October 2001. [42126]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 11 March 2002]: Commission Decision 2002/153/EC of 20 February 2002 has lifted the EU prohibition on live sheep exports from GB which has applied since 21 February 2001. As at 14 March 2002 no sheep have been exported from GB since 21 February 2001.
Northern Ireland has been able to export sheep since June 2001 during which time one consignment of 274 sheep, originating from Ireland but on a ship sailing from Belfast, has been refused entry to France. We are not aware of any sheep exports from Northern Ireland which have been refused entry to Germany or the Netherlands since 1 October 2001.