§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning the export of live animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe Government accept that animals can be transported provided proper welfare standards are met. The EC directive on transport sets welfare conditions for the transport of all types of animals in the Community. Agreement on a package of additional measures was blocked by the United Kingdom in December last year because they did not offer real improvements in standards of protection. In any further discussions we shall press the Community to adopt measures reflecting our own high standards.