§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes he proposes in respect of the regularity of inspections carried out by his officials of calves and sheep being exported through Dover. [4743]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 8 December 1995]: My officials are maintaining the practice of carrying out regular checks on calves and sheep at the port of export.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many horses, ponies and donkeys have been licensed for export from the United Kingdom since 1 January 1995 to(a) France (b) Belgium and (c) the Netherlands. [4747]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 8 December 1995]: Figures on the issue of licences, between 1 January and 30 November 1995, for the export of horses, and ponies and donkeys intended for breeding, riding or recreation are shown in the table. The include transhipments from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but exclude thoroughbred horses which may be exported for racing or breeding with certification issued by a steward or the secretary of the Jockey Club:
Destination Horses Ponies Donkeys France 480 74 1 Belgium 317 111 20 Netherlands 329 131 none Source:
MAFF animal welfare records.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications to export horses, ponies and donkeys from the United Kingdom have been rejected by him since 1 January; and how many animals were covered by these rejected applications. [4746]
534W
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 8 December 1995]: We do not record these figures. Between 1 April and 30 October 1995 the Ministry received more than 2,200 applications. When considering applications the Ministry takes into account the purpose of the journey and the welfare arrangements. During the course of these considerations a number of applications are then withdrawn by the applicant or not proceeded with.