§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the regulations relating to livestock markets in the United Kingdom; and how these compare with those in force in the other member states of the European Economic Community.
§ Mrs. FennerThere are a number of regulations concerned with the prevention and control of diseases and the welfare of farm animals in livestock markets. Those relating to animal health matters are designed to secure appropriate standards to minimise the risk of disease. Those concerned with welfare are intended to ensure that animals in livestock markets are protected from unnecessary suffering. Information in relation to regulations in other member states is not available and could not be obtained without incurring unreasonable cost.