§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the new welfare standards for livestock being transported; [32726]
(2) if he will make a statement on the enforcement mechanism for the new standards for livestock being transported. [32727]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 10 July 1995]: The new requirements adopted by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 22 June represent a major step forward for the welfare of animals being transported in the European Union. Effective enforcement of the requirements will be vital, and the measure contains tough new enforcement provisions including a licensing system for transport undertakings under which offenders can be disqualified, requirements for the scrutiny of journey plans and strict enforcement obligations on member states.
The directive is for implementation by 31 December 1996, and we will consult thoroughly with all interested parties to ensure that the United Kingdom's implementation of this measure is thorough and effective.