HC Deb 19 June 1997 vol 296 c292W
Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ban the live export of animals from British ports by sea and air; and if he will make a statement. [4179]

Mr. Morley

The Government accepts that in general the export of live animals is a legal trade. However we have made clear our strong preference for meat to be exported on the hook rather than on the hoof; that we will seriously consider banning the export of calves for rearing in narrow veal crates if the European Court of Justice in its forthcoming judgment finds this to be legal; and that we wish the new EU rules on welfare in transit, as now implemented through the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, to be strictly and scrupulously enforced. We are also reviewing current procedure relating to the inspection and certification of live animals for export.