§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on animal welfare of the implementation of the licensing provisions for the movement of livestock. [10178]
§ Mr. MorleyThe movement licence provisions were drawn up in close co-operation with the fanning industry. They permit as much movement of live animals as possible consistent with the overall objective of containing and eradicating foot and mouth disease. The arrangements are kept under review in the light of the developing disease situation.
Cases for exceptional movements on the ground of welfare needs are considered on a case-by-case basis. The Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme is available as a last resort to those farmers who face unavoidable welfare difficulties.