HC Deb 17 February 1966 vol 724 cc295-6W
86. Mr. Bessell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will now take to ensure that live animals exported from this country are treated with humanity and that there is no suffering to these animals in transit.

Mr. John Mackie

The conditions under which live horses, cattle, sheep and pigs may be shipped for export are subject to control in the interests of animal welfare by Orders under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950. We hope shortly to consolidate and amend the Orders relating to horses.

In addition, live cattle, sheep and pigs for immediate slaughter may only be exported to countries whose Governments have given what are known as the Balfour assurances as to their welfare.