§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to prevent unnecessary suffering to sheep exported from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanAs part of our controls my Department ensures that all animals are properly rested, offered food and water and inspected for fitness to travel at approved lairages prior to export from Great Britain. In the light of allegations concerning a consignment of sheep exported last month we have withheld certain export licences and have asked the French authorities, who are responsible for welfare controls on their territory, to investigate the incident.