HC Deb 22 July 1997 vol 298 cc547-8W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what regulations govern the transportation of poultry between farms and slaughterhouses. [8663]

Mr. Morley

Welfare provisions for the transport of poultry, and other animals, are contained in the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the compliance of transporters with laws protecting animals during international transit. [8660]

Mr. Morley

It has been stated in a European Commission report, and is widely acknowledged, that transporters commonly flout the rules on welfare in transit when transporting livestock over long distances on the continent. The Department has undertaken no research on this, but has arrangements in place with certain other member states to undertake spot checks on compliance with route plans declared in advance when animals are sent from Great Britain. These arrangements will continue, in support of the activities of local authorities in pursuit of their statutory responsibility to enforce the tougher controls we have now introduced in the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) inquiries and (b) applications have been received by his Department for licences for exporting animals under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1957; and how many licences have been granted. [8677]

Mr. Morley

There is no requirement in the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 for exports of animals to be licensed. However, the order does require that, from 1 October 1997, anyone transporting cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses on a journey over eight hours must have a specific authorisation to engage in this activity. The process of receiving and processing applications for these authorisations is at an early stage: we have received 67 applications to date.