§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the minimum age requirements enforced by his Department. [15925]
§ Mr. BoswellDetails of minimum age requirements enforced by my Department are given in the table.
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Legislation Minimum age requirement Agricultural Wages 19 years for adult rate of pay; Act 1948 18 years for flexible working contract; 19 years for higher rates of pay depending on qualifications. Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended) Anyone using an agricultural pesticide is required to hold a certificate of competence unless they were born on or before 31 December 1964; or are using it under the direct personal supervision of a person who holds such a certificate; are applying the pesticide on their own land or land belonging to their employer; or the pesticide is being used for a non-agricultural purpose. Schedule 1 to the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 Licensing of slaughtermen: 18 years for applicants for either a certificate of competence (required to be presented with an application for a registered licence) or a provisional licence (Regulation 4(3), Sections 4(2)(c) and 7(1)(b) respectively refer). Veterinary Surgeons Act 1996, Schedule 3 Allows exemptions from restrictions on the practice of veterinary surgery by: persons under 17 years old undergoing instruction in animal husbandry, provided the instruction is given by a registered veterinary surgeon and at a recognised institution unqualified people aged 18 or over carrying out specified minor operations. These figures remain provisional and subject to amendment.
Figures on the export of pigs are incomplete. I will write to the hon. Member when we have more information.