§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times bad weather was forecast for planned sailings of ships carrying live sheep for export from Dover Port to the continent in 1999; how many times his inspectors discussed the weather with the master of vessels carrying live sheep; how many such sailings were undertaken when winds were force 7 or286W higher or when the state of the sea was rough; and how many such sailings were postponed due to bad weather. [111373]
§ Mr. MorleyMinistry staff track forecasts of weather and sea conditions on all occasions when there are plans to take live food animals out of Dover by sea. The trigger for the Department's inspection staff at Dover to initiate discussions with the master of the vessel is a clear forecast, when the master imminently intends to sail with animals, that force 7 winds and/or rough sea conditions are likely to prevail. Inspection staff discuss the conditions with the master of the vessel to ensure that the master has exercised his judgment as to whether animals are likely to be caused injury or unnecessary suffering as a result of weather and/or sea conditions likely to be encountered during the voyage (as required by article 4(2) of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997). The 1999 discussions were initiated with the master on 24 occasions. Thirteen sailings commenced in force 6–7 winds and/or rough sea conditions and nine in calmer conditions. Two sailings were postponed.
§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many notices were served by his staff under Article 18 of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 at Dover Port in respect of live sheep destined for export; how many such sheep were removed at his inspectors' instructions from livestock vehicles at Dover Port and for what reasons; and how many documentary queries were made by his inspectors at Dover Port in respect of consignments of live sheep destined for export in 1999; [111371]
(2) how many (a) live sheep and (b) live pigs destined for export from the United Kingdom in 1999 were declared to be unfit to travel by (i) his inspectors at Dover Port and (ii) Local Veterinary Inspectors when carrying out inspections prior to issuing an export health certificate. [111372]
§ Mr. MorleySeventy-eight (78) notices were served by MAFF staff during 1999 at Dover Port on consignments of slaughter/further fattening sheep. 257 sheep were removed. 160 of these were removed to improve stocking densities; 82 were removed because they were unfit; 15 dead animals were removed. There were 19 documentary queries.
Separate figures for animals declared unfit for travel by Local Veterinary Inspectors are available only from 31 May 1999 when changes to pre-export inspection arrangements were introduced. Between then and 31 December 1999 12,558 sheep and 188 pigs were rejected as unfit to travel.