§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement of his policy concerning the effect on the Welsh farming industry of the reluctance of shippers to carry live animals.
§ Mr. RedwoodI am aware of the concerns in the industry about the ban by ferry companies on the transport of live animals. The situation is being monitored closely, and it is still too early to assess fully the impact of the ban on the farming industry. However, the Government are actively seeking agreement on European Community rules on the welfare of animals in transit, introducing600W tighter national laws and urgently checking proposals for new transport facilities so that those which are satisfactory can proceed.