§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish his Department's guidelines for the conditions under which live animals, including tortoises, are imported.
§ Mr. StrangThe Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 makes it an offence to carry living creatures of any kind to this country under conditions likely to cause unnecessary suffering. My Department does not issue any specific guidelines for the importation and transport of animals, but the State Veterinary Service is always willing to advise on request. The handbook of the International Air Transport Association, to which the majority of the world's airlines belong, contains detailed advice as to the conditions under which particular species, including tortoises, should be conveyed by air; these conditions are mandatory for all member airlines.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the treatment of live animals imported from abroad, particularly tortoises; and if he is satisfied with the regulations governing the transport of such animals.
§ Mr. StrangThe Government can have no direct control over the conditions under which living creatures are exported from foreign countries, and on occasions such creatures do arrive in this country under unsatisfactory conditions. Our welfare regulations do, however, apply as soon as the creatures arrive in this country and come under our jurisdiction. I am satisfied that these regulations give local authorities adequate powers to alleviate304W any suffering being caused and to prosecute those responsible. Local authorities are making effective use of these powers. The International Air Transport Association is also doing much to ensure that all living creatures conveyed by air travel under satisfactory conditions.