HL Deb 22 July 1993 vol 548 cc63-4WA
Lord Northfield

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which organisations concerned with the welfare of deer were consulted before it was decided to allow transport of deer in velvet over distances of up to 50 kilometres, as provided for in the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992 (SI 1992/3304); and what advice these organisations offered.

Earl Howe

Over 400 organisations and individuals were consulted about the proposed order to implement EC Directive 91/628. A few comments were received on the question of transport of deer in velvet on journeys up to 50 kilometres. It was argued on the one hand that transporting deer in velvet can give rise to welfare problems, and the United Kingdom should go beyond the directive (which applies only to journeys over 50 kilometres) by prohibiting all transport of deer in velvet. Others recognised that the previous national legislation already permitted such transport over any distance provided that special precautions were taken, and sought the maintenance of these provisions for journeys up to 50 kilometres. The Government concluded that it would be reasonable to maintain the status quo for these journeys, while for longer journeys a significant new restriction would be introduced in accordance with the directive.