HC Deb 25 April 1994 vol 242 c72W
Mr. Lewis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures she proposes to prevent the ill-treatment of sheep imported from Spain.

Mr. Soames

No consignments of sheep for slaughter have been imported from Spain since 22 March, when this Department took immediate action to intercept a consignment and to safeguard the welfare of the animals. Close liaison was maintained with the local authorities concerned, which are investigating the case with a view to prosecution. The Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992 contains powers for similar action to be taken as necessary in relation to any future consignments.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what mechanisms there are to record the number of farm animals injured during transport to other EC member states.

Mr. Soames

There are no official mechanisms of this kind.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the current discussions of the Council of Agriculture Ministers on the welfare of animals during transport.

Mr. Soames

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Members for Worsley (Mr. Lewis) and for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 24 March, at column370.