§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many live calves have been exported during the last 12 months; what were the corresponding figures for the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonCalf exports over the 12 months October 1986 to September 1987 were 309,524 head. Corresponding figures for the last five years were as follows:
October—September figures Number of head 1981–82 244,401 1982–83 236,970 1983–84 218,726 1984–85 165,286 1985–86 164,877 Although the level of exports is currently higher than in recent years it is similar to the level in 1980 (298,752 head) and significantly lower than in the late 1970s when it reached a peak of 420,301 head in 1978.