§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to impose restrictions on the import of white veal into the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will make it his policy to set a target date for banning the export from the United Kingdom of calves destined for veal crates.
§ Mr. SoamesI have no such plans as my legal advice is that these actions would be illegal under the treaty of Rome.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many calves have been exported from the United Kingdom for rearing in veal calf crates in each year since 1985.
§ Mr. SoamesTotals of the number of calves exported from Great Britain to other EC countries for further fattening are given. It is not possible to determine what proportion of the totals were for rearing in veal calf crates.
Year £ thousands 1985 142.4 1986 190.7 1987 365.2 1988 234.7 1989 302.2 1990 338.8 1991 399.6 1992 420.6 Source: Statistics prepared for the reports of the Chief Veterinary Officer—Animal Health, 1985 to 1992.