§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the proposals by the European Economic Community Commission on the transportation of animals within the EEC; and if they will permit the United Kingdom to maintain its restrictions on the export of live ponies and horses.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government intend to negotiate the highest possible welfare standards during forthcoming discussions in Brussels. We shall press strongly to retain controls designed to prevent horses and ponies being exported for slaughter; the Commission's proposals do not provide for our existing restrictions to continue.