§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what percentage of animals exported live from the UK undergo an inspection by an independent veterinary inspector; [150313]
(2) what procedures exist for the inspection of animals exported live from the UK. [150314]
§ Ms QuinAll consignments of live farm animals destined for export are inspected by a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI) in the 24 hours prior to loading as part of the export health certification procedures. Arrangements vary for other animals but almost all are inspected prior to export so that the health certification can be completed. Notes for guidance which accompany each certificate outline the procedures to be followed by LVIs and exporters. Specific guidance on pre-export procedures for LVIs certifying live sheep and pigs for fattening or slaughter to other member states was issued on 31 May 1999. Copies will be made available to hon. Members in the Libraries of the House.
§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what percentage of animals exported live from the UK are exported under the procedure of further fattening certificates; [150315]
(2) what percentage of animals exported live from the UK are exported for slaughter where details of the destination abattoir are required. [150316]
§ Ms Quin'Fattening' and 'slaughter' export health certificates apply to live sheep and pigs. In 1999, 99 per cent. of live sheep and 2 per cent. of live pigs were exported from the UK under `fattening' certification and 1 per cent. of live sheep and 43 per cent. of live pigs under 'slaughter' certification. Animals exported under
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Weight cap (560 kilo) 0 1560 2560 2560 3560 Total weight (tonnes) 688,799 492,907 506,192 538,521 548,289 Overall % of animal weight over weight cap 0 3.00 7.42 6.84 3.27 Average carcase weight (kilo) 605 582 565 555 562 1 From 4 August 1997 2 All year 3Until 5 June 2000