§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long is provided for local veterinary inspectors to examine calves for export; what guidelines she has laid down for the number that can be adequately inspected in an hour; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Ministry makes no stipulation on the time that such an examination should take. We uphold high veterinary standards in this country and our certifying veterinarians are expected to be rigorous in checking that the animal health conditions of the importing country are fully met before signing an export certificate. The time taken by a veterinary inspector for an examination also depends on the level of organisation of and degree of assistance provided by the exporter.