§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he is aware that the number of calves exported from this country in recent weeks is nearly four times greater than earlier estimates made by his Department; and, in view of public concern, if he will take action in this matter;
(2) if he will have discussions with the Belgian Government to ascertain more precisely the number of calves imported into Belgium from this country since 1st September, 1968;
(3) what action he has taken to ascertain more accurately the number of calves exported in recent weeks, other than obtaining information from his veterinary officers.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe information available to me about the number of162W calves exported is obtained from my port veterinary officers and I have no reason to doubt the figures. A recent Press report that Belgian information on calf imports into that country was greatly at variance with our figures has been investigated with the help of the Belgian authorities. The official Belgian figure for the total number of calves imported from Great Britain in 1968 up to 2nd November is 10,562. Our returns show a total of 10,757 for the same period. I am currently reviewing all the implications of this trade.