HC Deb 02 November 1999 vol 337 c159W
Mr. Loughton

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to report progress on regulations dealing with the treatment of live animals on the Continent after export from the United Kingdom. [93257]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 21 October 1999]: The rules governing conditions for animals in transit within the EU are set out in Directive 91/628, as amended in 1995.

We have carried out a public consultation on our proposals to review the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, which implements the Directive on our territory. The deadline for comment was 8 October, and we are carefully considering the responses made before deciding how to proceed.

Any amendment to the fundamental requirements about the conditions to be provided for animals in transit within the EU will require an amendment to the Directive itself. The Directive contains a requirement for the European Commission to initiate a review during 1999 and, if necessary, to bring forward proposals to revise the Directive. We attach importance to this review, and look to the Commission to bring it forward.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to revise the regulations for animal exports relating to conditions in transit during overland transport in Europe. [96527]

Mr. Morley

The rules governing conditions for animals in transit within the EU are set out in Directive 91/628, as amended in 1995.

We have carried out a public consultation on our proposals to review the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, which implements the Directive on our territory. The deadline for comment was 8 October, and we are carefully considering the responses made before deciding how to proceed.

Any amendment of the fundamental requirements about the conditions to be provided for animals in transit within the EU will require an amendment to the Directive itself. The Directive contains a requirement for the European Commission to initiate a review during 1999 and, if necessary, to bring forward proposals to revise the Directive. We attach importance to this review, and look to the Commission to bring it forward.

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