§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what measures there are to ensure that horses exported live to the Republic of Ireland are not subsequently exported to other EC member states for slaughter;
(2) how many cases are known to her of horses being exported to (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) other EC states and (c) elsewhere for slaughter, in each of the last three years; how many horses were involved; and how many of these horses had false documents;
(3) what tonnage of horse meat was exported from Britain to (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) other EC states and (c) elsewhere in each of the last three years;
(4) how many horses were exported live from Britain to (a) the Republic of Ireland, (b) other EC states and (c) elsewhere in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. SoamesWelfare regulations made under the Animal Health Act 1981 require all horses exported to the continent of Europe, except race horses certified by the Jockey club, to be licensed. The Ministry does not license horses exported for immediate slaughter. Any trade in animals from the Republic of Ireland is a matter for the Irish authorities. I am not aware of any horses travelling with false welfare documents.
No horse meat was exported to the Republic of Ireland in 1991–92. Exports of horse meat to other member states were 1,069 metric tonnes in 1991 and 1,010 metric tonnes in 1992. In 1992, seven metric tonnes were sent to other destinations.
The number of horses exported to the Republic of Ireland were 3,042 in 1991 and 2,538 in 1992. Exports of horses to other member states were 2,786 in 1991 and 2,844 in 1992. Exports to other destinations were 2,717 in 1991 and 3,765 in 1992. In 1992, three horses were exported to the Republic of Ireland for slaughter.
Trade data for 1993 are not yet available.
Source: H M Customs and Excise.