§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her answer of 16 February,Official Report, column 847, by what authority the British 607W Government are able to prosecute a British haulier for breaking welfare laws for animals being transported in another EC member state who are suspected of breaking (a) British laws and (b) EC laws; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992 implements EC directive 91/628. In Great Britain this legislation is enforced by the local authorities, with support and advice from the Ministry. Allegations of infringements are investigated and where appropriate charges are brought before a magistrates court. If investigations reveal offences in another member state the facts are reported to the relevant authorities.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what was the country of origin and country of departure stated on documentation accompanying live sheep certified as fit to travel which arrived at an abattoir in Birmingham on 8 March and later found to have multiple caseous abcesses, oedema and emaciation, bruising and septicaemia following carcase inspection;
(2) what was the port of entry of a consignment of 300 live sheep which arrived at a Birmingham abattoir on 8 March; and what veterinary inspection they were subjected to and by whom on arrival in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SoamesThe consignment was imported from Poland into the EC through the border inspection post at Frankfurt-on-Oder in Germany. Following its arrival at a slaughterhouse in Birmingham, documentary, identity and physical inspections were carried out by the state veterinary service in conjunction with the official veterinary surgeon.