§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will continue to restrict export of equines to the Continent for slaughter, and retain minimum value controls; and what representations they are making to the European Commission on the subject.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Trumpington):Negotiations have recently restarted on the Commission's proposals for a new Community regulation on protection of animals during transport. The Government are pressing hard for the retention of measures which will prevent the export of horses and ponies for slaughter.