§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the welfare of horses on farms and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Department receives a small number of letters on the welfare of horses on farms and elsewhere. The welfare of horses used for agriculture is protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, compliance with which is monitored by the state veterinary service. Further safeguards are laid down in orders under the Animal Health Act 1981 on the welfare of horses during transport and at markets. Controls on the export of horses, on which many representations are received, remain in place as provided for in directive 91/628/EEC.
Other aspects of the welfare of horses are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.