HC Deb 27 March 1975 vol 889 cc298-300W
26. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what inquiries are being made by his Department to ensure that the licences to export live animals are being complied with in France.

Mr. Strang

As I told the hon. Members for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes) and for Gillingham (Mr. Burden) on 24th March, I am carrying out an investigation and shall make a further statement as soon as possible.—[Vol. 889, c. 70–71.]

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many cases have been brought to his attention involving violation of the conditions of export licences for live animals destined for slaughter in Europe; and what action he is taking in respect of the exporters concerned;

(2) if he will suspend the export of live animals for slaughter pending investigation into allegations of breaches of export licence conditions.

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the export of live animals procedure in view of the latest evidence of its operation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to enforce the regulations relating to the export of live animals, following the production of evidence of cruelty in this trade.

Mr. Strang

The only reported violations of the current welfare arrangements for exported animals which have been brought to my notice were those connected with the television programme on 20th March. As I have already announced, I am investigating this report urgently and will make a statement as soon as possible. I would not wish to prejudge the outcome by taking precipitate action.

Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what capital allocation has been made to inspectors and agents to supervise the implementation of the O'Brien Report.

Mr. Strang:

The cost of inspection is borne on the Department's normal Votes: no significant capital expenditure by the Government has been required.

Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the strength of his overseas inspectorate charged with safeguarding the well-being of livestock in transit; and what was the date of overseas posting of each Ministry employee engaged in this work.

Mr. Strang

Overseas visits for the purpose of safeguarding the well-being of livestock in transit are made as required by members of the State Veterinary Service based in this country. The responsibility for enforcing their own national laws rests with the authorities of the country in which the animals are travelling, but there is close consultation with these authorities.

Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the co-operation being received from the French authorities in ensuring humane treatment for British livestock in transit through France.

Mr. Strang

I will deal fully with this matter in the statement I have promised to make as soon as possible after Easter.

Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what inspections are made when live animals are exported (a) at sea and (b) on arrival at the port of disembarkation.

Mr. Strang:

In addition to any inspection necessary to obtain a health certificate as required by the importing country, farm animals intended for export (unless specially exempted) are required to undergo a veterinary inspection under the Exported Animals Protection Order 1964 to ensure that they are fit to travel. This inspection is carried out before departure. It is not usually practicable to make full inspections of animals at sea, but United Kingdom legislation requires that attendants should be provided to tend to the animals as necessary on sea voyages. Inspection on arrival in the receiving country is the responsibility of the Government of the country concerned.