§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) who is responsible for enforcing the 15–hour maximum journey time for animals in transit; [14583]
(2) what assessment the Government have made of the effectiveness of enforcement of the 15-hour maximum journey time for animals in transit. [14584]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994 which, among other things, sets the maximum interval between the provision of food and water, is enforced by local authorities at county council level, assisted by the state veterinary service. Powers also exist in the order for the Ministry to enforce its requirements in certain cases. The welfare of animals during transport in another member state is enforced by the authorities in the country concerned, and procedures for co-operation between the Governments of member states have been established by the Community. We maintain regular contact on enforcement matters with the enforcement authorities in Britain, and with certain other members states of the EU in relation to exports.