§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many consignments of ostriches have been flown in to the United Kingdom since January 1993; how many birds were involved; and how many birds died during transit.
§ Mr. SoamesTwo consignments have been flown to the United Kingdom this year involving 107 ostriches. The Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992 and EC directive 91/628 require all such transport to comply with standards of care laid down by the International Air Transport Association. One ostrich died during the journey.
564Wquantities of miling wheat are used for feed—and prices and price differentials for wheat on world markets vary according to quality and other factors. Illustrative prices for 1992–93 and September 1993 are given in the table, but it should be noted that the current exceptionally wide divergence in prices reflects shortages of high quality wheat on world markets.
The Department is monitoring this trade and guidance has been prepared for the authorities in other countries and importers on the additional welfare standards to be observed during air transport.