§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps he plans to take to ensure that United Kingdom cattle are not exported illegally to the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what evidence he has that cattle are being exported illegally from the United Kingdom to the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThere is no firm evidence of large-scale illegal movement of cattle from the United Kingdom to the Republic of Ireland. Where evidence is produced, this is thoroughly investigated. In a number of instances action has been taken by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland authorities in respect of cattle which were suspected of having or had been illegally exported. There is continuing co-operation and exchange of information between the relevant authorities on both sides of the border.