§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many alleged breaches of the Balfour Assurances committed in the past three years have been reported to him; what action he has taken; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerIn the past three years there have been reports by welfare organisations on four occasions about alleged breaches of the Balfour Assurances. These involved numerous individual infringements. The last two of these reports related to sheep exported to Belgium and re-exported to France earlier this year. Appropriate action to prevent a repetition of the contraventions has been taken on each occasion. My hon. Friend the Minister of State made a statement on 8th December, 1970, on the incidents reported at that time and my predecessor, the Parliamentary Secretary, made a statement on 8th August about158W the incidents earlier this year. I have nothing to add to these statements.—[Vol. 808, c. 227–229; Vol. 842, c. 343–344.]
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is doing into the export of farm animals and ensuring compliance with the Balfour Assurances.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department receives information from veterinary officers who examine farm animals before export, and who check on welfare conditions in transit. As regards the enforcement of the Balfour Assurances I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Wiggin) on 8th August, 1972, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 26th October, 1972. The revised arrangements referred to are now in operation.—[Vol. 842, c. 343–4; Vol. 843, c.408.]
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress has been made towards the ratification of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport; and how soon he now expects to ratify the Convention.
§ Mrs. FennerAdditional powers have been taken under Section 2 of the Agriculture, (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1972. These will enable regulations, necessary before the convention can be ratified, to be made.
Preparatory work on the regulations to cover a wide variety of animals and birds is proceeding. This will involve extensive consultations with trade interests, carriers, animal welfare organisations and others. I cannot yet say when we shall be in a position to ratify the convention.