HC Deb 28 June 1990 vol 175 cc337-8W
Mr. Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that after 1992 calves exported live will not be housed subsequently in veal crates.

Mr. Maclean

Discussions are continuing in the European Community on Commission proposals for welfare standards for calves. I am pressing for the Community to adopt the present United Kingdom requirement for veal calf pen widths and for the EC legislation to be implemened at the earliest possible date.

Mr. Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures he is proposing to ensure that current minimum standards in the care of live animals for export will be maintained after 1992.

Mr. Maclean

We will be pressing for measures which fully safeguard animal welfare in negotiations on the Commission proposals for a Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport.

Mr. Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedures he is proposing to ensure that live animals, exported after 1992, are killed in slaughterhouses which match current United Kingdom standards.

Mr. Maclean

The EC Commission is preparing proposals for new rules on the welfare of animals at the time of slaughter. I shall be seeking to ensure that the standards which we consider to be necessary are applied thoughout the Community.

Mr. Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what efforts he is making to establish protection for live animals after 1992.

Mr. Maclean

Negotiations have been proceeding on Commission proposals for the protection of pigs and calves and at the Agriculture Council on 25 and 26 June If pressed for the earliest possible introduction of this legislation. I am also pressing for further comprehensive welfare safeguards to be introduced on a Community basis.