§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his responsibilities in relation to the export of live animals purely for slaughter.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Minister has licensing responsibilities for the export of farm livestock from Great Britain under the Export of Animals (Protection) Order 1981. Under the requirements all animals destined for slaughter must be rested for a minimum of 10 hours at an approved export lairage near the port, and be offered food and water. They receive a veterinary inspection for fitness to travel and their loading is supervised. Other orders made under the Animal Health Act 1981 lay down requirements for welfare conditions during export journeys.
There are also responsibilities under sections 40 to 49 of the 1981 Act which were designed to prevent the export of horses and ponies for slaughter.
The Minister is responsible for the issue of health certification for exported cattle and pigs in accordance with the requirements of EC directive 64/432.