§ Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and 453W Food what further action he intends to take to ensure that the Balfour Assurances are upheld; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberThe Government have been concerned at reports over the last year of infringements of the Balfour Assurances in relation to the export of sheep. In agreement with the Belgian authorities new procedures were introduced last November which required exporters of sheep for slaughter to produce officially authenticated evidence of slaughter in accordance with the terms of the assurances. In the event all exporters who have sent sheep to the continent since 1st November last have failed to comply fully with these new conditions. All current licences for the export of sheep for slaughter expired on 31st January 1973 and it has been decided that the issue of new licences for the export of sheep from Great Britain other than for breeding or exhibition will be suspended. The suspension applies to licences to all destinations.
There has been no recent substantiated evidence of cruelty affecting other categories of animals and of course the Balfour Assurances will continue to apply in full to all exports for slaughter.
So far as calves up to 110 lb. in weight are concerned there is at present a complete ban on export. Licences will continue to be required on welfare grounds for the export of larger cattle.
The European Convention on the Protection of Animals in International Transport is the subject of active discussion in the European Economic Community. The Government will be ready to support any appropriate proposal designed to safeguard animals from cruelty in transport. We shall also wish to take an opportunity to discuss the question of improving welfare and slaughter arrangements throughout the Community.