§ Mr. LeadbitterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the trade in horsemeat between the United Kingdom and Europe in respect of the care of horses and other livestock in transit, and on any breaches of standards of care of animals; and if he has any proposals under consideration to bring this trade to an end.
§ Mr. MacleanIn 1989 the United Kingdom exported 1,932 tonnes of meat derived from horses and other equines, valued at £2.85 million. There is no reason to end this trade. In Community negotiations we shall, however, press to retain existing controls designed to prevent the export of live horses and ponies for slaughter.