§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the export of animals for slaughter; and what replies he has given.
§ Mr. Peter MillsMy right hon. Friend has recently received a number of representations about the welfare of animals exported for slaughter. In the replies which I have given on his behalf I have said that the questions of non-compliance with the Balfour assurances are referred to the countries concerned and that our policy regarding the assurances remains unaltered.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest figures for exports of cattle, calves, sheep, fat pigs and weaner pigs for slaughter; and what were the comparable figures one year ago.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe latest export figures are as follows. The figures do not distinguish between store animals and animals for immediate slaughter. The figures for calves and pigs also include some breeding animals. Separate statistics for fat and weaner pigs are not available.
scheme without knowing the specific powers and functions proposed. The Commission has not communicated with me on this hypothetical matter.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultation his Department has had with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association on matters arising from the draft European Economic Community veterinary directives on which the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association would wish representations to be made at 261W official level during negotiations on the directives; if he will list the matters raised by the profession; what action he has taken or is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MillsMy Department is in regular consultation with these bodies on this important subject. The officials last met a Joint Committee of RCVS and BVA on 27th April when it was agreed that the joint committee would provide a paper setting out the points of current concern to the profession. This document was received yesterday. Further consultation will follow when it has been considered.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent Great Britain will be affected by Regulation No. 2728/71/EEC Part 21 Cereals of 20th December, 1971.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThis regulation makes minor changes in the Community's arrangements for import levies and export refunds. My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that it will have any significant effect for Great Britain.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent Great Britain will be affected by Part 17 Agriculture Consultative Committees and general matters of Regulation No. 2727/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971.
§ Mr. PriorRegulation 2727/71 modifies earlier market regulations to take account of changes in tariff nomenclature. It raises no points of difficulty for Great Britain.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent Great Britain will be affected by Regulation No. 72/84/EEC Part 34 Pigmeat, of 13th January, 1972.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe decision does not directly affect us. It authorises five of the present member States to include all pig carcases heavier than 90 kg. (199 lb.) in a single weight category under the Community's classification system.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent Great Britain will be affected 262W by Part 34 Pigmeat of Regulation No. 2/72/EEC, of 30th December, 1971.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartRegulation 2/72 applies a minor alteration to existing regulations in the pigmeat sector, which is designed to bring up to date the definitions of unrendered pig fat and lard in the common customs tariff. This follows a recommendation by the Customs Co-operation Council which has also been implemented by the United Kingdom.