§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has made to her European counterparts in opposition to the EC's latest proposals on the transport of live animals; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Commission's proposals published in July 1993 were discussed in the December Agriculture Council. Regrettably, agreement could not be reached as it was clear that the measures proposed would have failed to improve the welfare of animals during transport.
§ Mr. BurdenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to take measures to ensure that the journey time for animals being transported for slaughter does not exceed the maximum eight hours.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government will continue to press for improved Community rules on animal transport and strict enforcement in all member states. In the meantime our national measures, which require feeding, watering and resting of animals to take place at maximum 15 hour intervals during a journey, will remain in place. In preparing for further Community discussions the Government is taking full account of the case for journey limits.