HC Deb 16 January 1995 vol 252 c363W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on calves from Ireland being exported to the continent through Plymouth docks; and whether the British regulations as regards journey plans and feeding, watering and resting intervals apply to them.

Mrs. Browning

Movements of such animals from the Republic or Northern Ireland are covered by the provisions of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992 once the animals come within British jurisdiction and hauliers are required to comply with those provisions.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many animals were classed as too unwell to travel from Plymouth docks to France on the night of 19 December 1994;

(2) what assessment he has made of whether the welfare of livestock being transported abroad can be adequately accounted for when said livestock is in lorries on boats and the drivers of the lorries are not on the boats; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will make a statement on the lorries exporting livestock from Plymouth docks on the night of 19 December 1994; how many lorries were turned away; and for what reasons.

Mrs. Browning

None of the animals inspected at the dock while in their lorries were considered too unwell to travel. However two lorries loaded with sheep were turned away because the veterinary inspection for health certification purposes had taken place more than 48 hours prior to their loading—the maximum period permitted under EC health rules. The ship sailed with 12 lorries on board and their drivers. Officials are now satisfied with the arrangements made by the shipping company to provide standby drivers on the French side for any lorry not accompanied by its driver. The vessel sails with a veterinary surgeon who assumes responsibility for the welfare of the animals until such time as they are driven away from the port of disembarkation.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the recent obstruction of vehicles carrying live animals for slaughter abroad.

Mrs. Browning

We deplore the activities of those who would disrupt by violent means the lawful activities of those engaged in this trade.

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