§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of the growth in exports to Middle East countries of carcase meat slaughtered in this country under the exemptions granted by Section 36 of the Slaughterhouses Act 1974 and corresponding Acts for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and what steps they are taking to close this loophole in the law.
§ Lord SandysThe Government are aware that exports of meat take place to Middle East countries, some of which require animals to be slaughtered in accordance with certain religious practices. We do not have separate export statistics for meat prepared in this way. The provisions in the legislation which allow animals to be ritually slaughtered subject to stated conditions, including the avoidance of any unnecessary suffering, apply whether the meat is destined for the home market or for export. The Government have no plans to propose amendments to this legislation.
House adjourned at three minutes past ten o'clock.