§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many notices were issued in respect of animals destined for export under articles 15 and 16 of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994(a) between 23 January 1995 and 31 December 1995 and (b) in the first four months of 1996; [30720]
(2) how many notices were issued in respect of animals destined for export under articles 11 and 12 of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1992 in (a) 1993,(b) 1994 and (c) since 1 January 1995. [30719]
§ Mrs. BrowningAnimals may begin journeys to other member states from many locations. Notices may be served for a variety of different circumstances, and there is no collection of information on a central basis. The figures requested could be gathered only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) cattle, (b) sheep and (c) pigs were rejected as unfit to travel prior to export in each of the first four months of 1996. [30721]
§ (b) Mrs. BrowningThe reported number of farm animals inspected prior to export during 1996 and rejected as unfit for transport have been as follows:
Bovine Ovine Porcine January 103 471 128 February 251 204 60 March 28 131 69 April n/a n/a = not yet available.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he has issued to(a) his staff of local veterinary inspectors and (b) local authorities as to the bringing of prosecutions in respect of animals rejected as unfit to travel prior to export; and if he will make a statement. [30723]
§ Mrs. BrowningOfficials of the Department maintain regular contact with local authorities on enforcement issues. Local authorities are familiar with the considerations pertaining to offences under the order, and will prosecute if they consider the evidence to be strong enough to warrant this. The position relating to LVIs is as set out in my reply to the hon. Member on 13 May 1996,Official Report, columns 379–80.