HC Deb 17 July 1990 vol 176 cc477-8W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will invoke article 36 of the treaty of Rome to prevent the export of live animals where those animals are likely to suffer transportation and slaughter conditions inferior to those operating in this country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

I am advised that article 36 of the treaty cannot be invoked where, as in this case, there are Community measures on the subject in question. The Government however already prohibit the export of live animals for slaughter or for further fattening to countries which do not implement standards equivalent to those laid down in Community directives on the protection of animals during international transport and on the pre-slaughter stunning of animals.