HC Deb 29 February 1996 vol 272 cc684-5W
14. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the transport of live animals; and if he will make a statement. [16110]

Mrs. Browning

We are conducting an extensive consultation on implementation of the EU rules on the welfare of animals in transit. The first stage of that is complete—we have had a high level of positive and proactive responses. We will be consulting widely again before any final decisions are taken.

27. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the welfare of animals during export. [16124]

Mr. Hall

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the welfare of farm animals during export. [16120]

Mrs. Browning

We are consulting extensively on implementation of the EU rules on the welfare of animals in transit. The first stage is complete—we are grateful for the positive and proactive responses of those affected. We shall consult further before putting forward any proposals for legislation.

Mr. Gale

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has(a) to introduce new and (b) to revise existing regulations governing the transport of domestic animals to (i) EU and (ii) other overseas destinations. [17042]

Mrs. Browning

We are currently consulting extensively on implementation in this country of new EU rules on the transport of animals. The details of these provisions are aimed primarily at farmed livestock but the general principles of safeguarding the welfare of animals in transit cover other animals as well. As part of the exercise we intend, as set out in our October 1995 consultation document, to consolidate existing legislation on animal welfare in transport into one instrument. Further consultation will take place before proposals for legislation are put forward.

Forward to