§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from Compassion in World Farming on the lawfulness of restrictions on(a) the export of calves for rearing in veal crates and (b) the export of all live farm animals; and if he will make a statement on them. [24984]
§ Mrs. BrowningCompassion in World Farming wrote to my right hon. Friend on 4 April advising him to consider the lawfulness of restrictions of this type. My right hon. Friend wanted, before replying, to have the advice he had sought from lawyers on the legal opinion, commissioned from Gerald Barling QC by the RSPCA, which argued that a ban on the export of calves would be legal. My right hon. Friend's conclusions in the light of that legal advice were set out in his reply of 22 May to the hon. Member for Nuneaton, (Mr. Olner), column456, and conveyed to CIWF in a letter which he sent on the same date. The letter also explained that he saw no reason to change his view that a ban on the export of all live farm animals would be incompatible with European law, as well as with the Government's policy.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for how long the MV Northern Cruiser carrying livestock trucks from Dover to Boulogne on Friday 12 May was delayed outside Boulogne; what was the cause of delay, when he was informed of the delay by the boat's operators; whether, as a result of the delay, any of the animals went without being offered food and water for more than 15 hours; if any prosecutions are to be brought; and if he will make a statement. [25581]
§ Mrs. BrowningWe have not at present received any information which suggests that an offence occurred under the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994, in relation to the voyage of the Northern Cruiser on 12 May 1995.