§ Mr. Murphyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received regarding the export of live animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerWe continue to receive representations from various parties who have an interest in the export of live food animals. The Government have considered this trade, and decided that it should be allowed to continue subject to the introduction of tighter controls. Accordingly we have introduced the Export of Animals (Protection) Order 1981 which provides that live farm animals may only be exported when the Minister has granted an export licence, and that the Minister shall not grant a licence unless he is satisfied that the arrangements for transportation to the final destination are such as to protect the animals from unnecessary suffering. We have also secured the adoption of European Community Directive 81/389, which contains measures intended to help the importing country to enforce the Community requirements concerning the welfare of animals in interational transport.