HC Deb 31 October 2001 vol 373 cc735-6W
Sue Doughty

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will propose changes to EU law to allow the banning of export of live animals; [10387]

(2) if she will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the exporting of meat instead of live animals. [10388]

Mr. Morley

The June Agriculture Council unanimously adopted a resolution instructing the European Commission to bring forward early proposals for changes to the current rules on the welfare of animals during transport. This debate on the proposals will provide an opportunity to discuss the options for reducing the number and duration of long-distance journeys of farm animals to slaughter. Our preference is for a trade in meat rather than the long distance transport of animals for slaughter.

We recognise the need for the discussion to include economic and animal health implications.