§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the report of the Committee on the Export of Animals for Slaughter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartThe Report of the Committee on the Export of Animals for Slaughter has been published today (Cmnd 5566). I am sure the House would wish to join me in thanking Lord O'Brien and the members of his committee for their thorough and impartial approach to these problems.
The main conclusion in the report is that a permanent ban on the export of live animals for slaughter is unjustified on either welfare or economic grounds; and that the most effective means of safeguarding the welfare of all animals entering the livestock trade within the EEC lies in the implementation of common European welfare regulations covering transport and slaughter conditions.
The Government will examine the report very carefully and will invite the views of the interests concerned and other member States in the European Community on the proposals. For the time being, the issue of licences to export cattle, sheep and pigs overseas for purposes other than for breeding or exhibition will continue to be suspended. 142W I will make a further statement to the House as soon as possible.