HL Deb 02 August 1982 vol 434 cc668-9WA
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they are aware that—

  1. (i) Italy has a shortage of bovine animals, and is currently supplied by France (and to a lesser extent by the United Kingdom and Germany);
  2. (ii) France re-stocks with calves from the United Kingdom and, assisted by the EEC, offers a higher price than is obtainable in our home market;
    3. 669
  3. (iii) that the consequent export of live calves induces less home-produced beef and veal, low abattoir throughput, less employment and low consumption and also leads to imports of veal car-cases for our hotel trade; and
  4. (iv) calf-rearers, slaughtermen and retailers would welcome the cessation of the live calf export trade.

Earl Ferrers

Cattle, beef and veal may all be traded freely within the Community under the rules governing free circulation of goods, subject only to certain animal health, public health and animal welfare requirements. There is a small traditional trade in calves exported from the United Kingdom to the Continent, but this is only one feature of the substantial United Kingdom import and export trade in both live cattle and beef.