HC Deb 25 October 1995 vol 264 cc707-9W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what information he has for the journey times for each of the lorries containing livestock that were taken from Shoreham to Dieppe aboard the Northern Cruiser on 17 May; [34864]

(2) what action he has taken in respect of sheep that died during their export to France and Shoreham on 17 May; [34868]

(3) if he will make a statement on the transportation of livestock on the Northern Cruiser from Shoreham on 17 May with particular reference to (a) the suitability of the vessel for livestock transportation and (b) the prevailing weather conditions; [34872]

(4) what account was taken of the presence of a pregnant ewe in granting a certificate for the consignment of sheep exported on 17 May from Shoreham. [34869]

Travelling times—17 May sailing, Shoreham to Dieppe (from returned journey plans and reports)
Lorry Number 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Number and species 220 sheep 222 sheep 144 calves 147 calves 211 calves 205 calves
Departure (including loading) to point of sailing 5 hrs 20 mins 2 hrs 50 mins 2 hrs 50 mins 5 hrs 20 mins 5 hrs 20 mins 2 hrs 50 mins
Voyage (including unloading) 9 hrs 10 mins 9 hrs 25 mins 9 hrs 10 mins 9 hrs 40 mins 9 hrs 40 mins 9 hrs 10 mins
(Period of rest in Dieppe) (8 hrs) (none) (8hrs) (none) (none) (none)
Dieppe to final destination 5 hrs 30 mins 1 hr 5 hrs 1 hr 15 mins 1 hr 15 mins 4 hrs
Maximum period without rest 14 hrs 30 mins 13 hrs 50 mins 12 hrs 16 hrs 15 mins 16 hrs 15 mins 16 hrs

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his policy regarding the export of live farm animals for slaughter or further fattening to countries outside the European Union; [38006]

(2) what plans he has to permit the export of live farm animals for slaughter or further fattening to countries outside the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [38009]

Mrs. Browning

There is no intention of changing our long-standing policy of permitting the export of food animals only to those countries with standards at least equivalent to those in force within the European Union on the protection of animals during transport and at slaughter.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many alleged infringements of the laws designed to protect the welfare of animals in transit have been dealt with by his officials during the last two months in(a) Dover and (b) Brightlingsea; and how many prosecutions have been brought in respect of such infringements; [38010]

(2) whether it is his policy that his officials should continue to inspect every consignment of animals exported through Dover and Brightlingsea; and if he will make a statement. [38011]

Mrs. Browning

During the months of August and September, all consignments of animals for slaughter or

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 19 July 1995]: It is, of course, the master's responsibility under the law not to carry animals if in his judgment there are grounds for believing that, due to adverse weather conditions, the voyage will be attended by serious risk to the animals of injury, suffering or death. It does on occasion happen, particularly during the winter months, that the master of a livestock vessel cancels a sailing because of adverse weather. This was not the case on 17 May, but I understand that the vessel was held in port while weather checks were made. Information about the journey times of the lorries on this voyage is given in the table.

The local authority has completed its investigation with regard to the two dead sheep and the third animal which had given birth. The deaths of the sheep and the birth of a lamb do not in themselves amount to conclusive evidence of infringements, and the local authority will have needed to consider the available evidence in this respect. The local authority has in fact concluded that in this case it did not have evidence to support a prosecution. All the animals in the consignment had been certified as fit to travel, which suggests that the ewe which gave birth was showing no obvious sign of being pregnant and about to give birth at that time.

further fattening exported from Dover and Brightlingsea were monitored by officials. This kind of monitoring brings to light a number of incidents ranging from the detection of actual welfare problems to minor documentary discrepancies: within this range there can be welfare problems that do not involve an infringement, and cases where intervention by Ministry staff anticipates and prevents problems or infringements from occurring.

At Dover during the period in question, officials dealt with 43 incidents, of which three were subsequently referred to the local authority—which is, I understand, considering two of these for possible prosecution. At Brightlingsea, officials dealt with 11 incidents during the period. Four were referred to the local authority for action and dealt with either by verbal warning, formal caution or by statutory notice requiring remedial action to be taken. I understand that one case is being considered for prosecution.

We intend for the time being to maintain this level of monitoring in the ports.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his policy on the export of horses for slaughter; [38005]

(2) what plans he has to amend or repeal the minimum values system which prevents the export of horses for slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [38008]

Mrs. Browning

We remain committed to the minimum values system for exported equines, and have no intention of amending or repealing it.