HC Deb 06 December 1993 vol 234 cc100-1W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations she has received in the last six months about the export of live animals; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

The public response to campaigns from animal welfare organisations on transport of animals results in large numbers of representations to the Government. During the last six months, the Government have received over 23,000 pieces of correspondence and 136 petitions, representing approximately 8,000 signatures, on this issue. Proposals from the Commission to amend directive 91/628 on the welfare of animals during transport were sent to over 500 interested organisations and individuals for comment this summer. We received 86 replies.

In the negotiations, the Government are seeking Community rules which are properly enforceable and will provide strong welfare safeguards for all categories of animals during transport.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when her Department intends to review the current ban on the export of live cattle from the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

The export of cattle over six months of age from the United Kingdom to other member states is prohibited under European Commission decision 89/469/ EEC. This is because of the position on bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The EC Scientific Veterinary Committee in conducting a scientific evaluation on BSE in September 1993 endorsed the Community control measures on BSE. The position will be kept under review in the light of the improving disease situation.

The position in relation to third-country trade varies depending upon the import policies of the countries concerned. We are working hard to ensure that the relevant authorities of important potential overseas markets are aware of the improving BSE situation in the United Kingdom and that their import policies fully reflect this.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she will be able to provide figures for live animals exported to other EC member states since 1 January; and what will be the sources of her information.

Mr. Soames

Initial data recently released by the Central Statistical Office indicate that the value of exports of live animals to other EC member states for the first half of 1993 amounted to £83.1 million. However, this figure is

Cereal Production ('000s tonnes) Change from 1992 to 1993
1992 1993 '000s tonnes as a percentage
EC Total 168,059.6 163,999.0 -4060.6 -2.42
Belgium 1,998.0 2,048.5 50.5 2.53
Denmark 6,954.3 8,524.0 1,567.7 22.57
Germany 34,758.5 35,717.2 958.7 2.76
Greece 4,946.4 4,950.0 3.6 0.07
Spain 13,867.2 16,838.1 2,970.9 21.42
France 60,449.5 55,376.0 -5,073.5 -8.39
Ireland 2,016.0 1,606.1 -409.9 -20.33
Italy 18,413.2 16,625.0 -1,788.2 -9.71
Luxembourg 152.5 152.2 -0.3 -0.20
Netherlands 1,349.6 1,337.7 -11.9 -0.88
Portugal 1,091.0 1,217.5 126.5 11.59
United Kingdom 22,063.4 19,606.7 -2,456.7 -11.13

Source: Eurostat (October 1993) & MAFF

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