HC Deb 11 January 2001 vol 360 cc613-4W
Mr. Prosser

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to require the ability, competence and knowledge of those handling and transporting animals on journeys lasting eight hours or more to be assessed by an independent person or body rather than by their employer; and if he will make a statement. [142949]

Mr. Morley

A proposal for independent assessment of competence of those transporting farm livestock was the subject of a public consultation on a limited review of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, carried out in August 1999. In the meantime, the European Commission started its own review of the parent EU directive and the Commission's report has now been published on their website at: http://europa.eu.int/eurlex/en/com/availability/en_availability_2000_1.html

We will implement changes to the Order to take account of the Commission's report and recommendations, and the outcome of our earlier consultation.