§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the consignments of live sheep that pass through lairages in the Dover region prior to export are inspected by his veterinary officials to ensure that they are being transported in compliance with the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997; what steps his veterinary officials take to ensure that sheep which pass through lairages in the Dover region prior to export are given the rest periods required by the 1997 Order; what proportion of loadings prior to export of live sheep at lairages in the Dover region are inspected by his veterinary officials; and if he will make a statement. [74321]
§ Mr. MorleyThe level of targeted spot checks carried out at the Dover lairages depends on the resources available, but at present the aim is to check one of the four lairages on each sailing day. Additionally, Local Authority enforcement officers carry out random checks 911W of vehicles en route, and of lairages. This supplements the arrangements under which all animals exported for further fattening or slaughter are checked at Dover port.