§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's plans for the future of the live animal export trade; and what plans she has for the banning of this trade. [32602]
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§ Mr. MorleyThe Government have been consistent in their view that a trade in meat is preferable to the long distance transport of animals for slaughter. It is a matter that will be considered when the European Commission produces its proposals to update and improve the current EU rules on animal welfare during transport. The Government have no powers to introduce a ban on this trade. Judgments by the European Court of Justice have made it quite clear that such a ban would be illegal.