HC Deb 23 February 1995 vol 255 cc310-1W
22. Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his most recent legal advice on the banning of live exports.

Mrs. Browning

As I announced on 1 February,Official Report, column 643, the conclusion of the legal advice available to me is that a ban on live exports can not be reconciled with Community law, because it would be disproportionate.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what considerations underlay the issue of permits for the export of sheep and calves to Belgium from Brightlingsea on 10 February; what information was available from Nieuwpoort when the permits were granted as to when the animals would be able to be unloaded; how long the animals remained on the boat; how long the boat spent on the open sea; what assessment he has made as to the fulfilment of the requirement as to the feeding, watering and resting of the animals; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 20 February 1995]In accordance with the requirements of the legislation protecting the welfare of animals during transport, our veterinary inspectors needed to be satisfied that the arrangements for safeguarding the calves during the voyage were in place, including suitable facilities for their feeding aboard the vessel. Officials were in close touch with the competent authorities in Belgium regarding this consignment of calves.

The ship sailed at 2100 hours on 10 February and arrived at Nieuwpoort at 0620 hours. It docked at 0930 hours. I understand that information was received from the customs clearance officer, shortly after docking, that the mayor of Nieuwpoort had served a notice preventing the landing of animals from the ship until Monday 13 February at 0900 hours. Following discussions at the town hall, the customs veterinarian requested the unloading of the calves to prevent unnecessary suffering. This commenced at 0940 hours and was completed at 1010 hours. The calves were fed abroad the vessel and at the Grotteheme lairage.

A Ministry veterinary officer accompanied the calves on their journey as far as the Grotteheme lairage and reported that the calves appeared to travel satisfactorily. They were subsequently moved to two premises in Holland where they were inspected by the Dutch veterinary authorities who report that the animals were in healthy condition.

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