§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps his Department takes to ensure the enforcement of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994 and directive 91/628/EEC during the import of cattle into the United Kingdom from third countries; and if he will make a statement; [4143]
(2) what assessment he has made of the compliance with (a) the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1994 and (b) directive 91/628/EEC in respect of (i) the recent birth of a calf on a sea voyage from Canada to 195W Bristol, (ii) the transport onward from Bristol of the calf and its mother, (iii) the weather during the voyage and (iv) the containers used for the cattle during the sea voyage. [4722]
§ Mr. MorleyEnforcement of the legislation concerning the welfare of animals during transport is the responsibility of local authorities, and Ministry staff liaise with them in relation to this work. In April officers from the enforcement authority for the Welfare of Animals during transport Order 1994, (North Somerset District Council), and the Ministry's veterinary service monitored the arrival of 227 cattle at the Royal Portbury Dock which had been transported from Canada. One heifer calved on the dockside and the movement of these two animals was authorised, after their welfare had been assessed, under a statutory notice to specified premises near Chepstow. A subsequent visit was made to these premises when both the heifer and calf were reported to be in good condition. The remaining cattle were reported to be in excellent condition and were transported to their destination. The containers provided suitable accommodation during this, and on other, sea voyages. No incidents of abrasions, lameness or injury to the animals whilst in the containers were reported.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 12 June,Official Report, column 536, what assessment he has made of the impact of the decrease in the number of abattoirs since 1975 on (a) journey times and (b) distances within England for animals between point of production and point of slaughter. [4145]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 17 June 1997]: Various studies have been made of movement patterns in the British livestock sector. These indicate that a range of factors rather than just distance from the nearest abattoir influence the length of animals' journeys to slaughter.