Written question asked by David Rendel (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 6 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 12 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that once the foot and mouth disease export restrictions have been lifted UK animals exported under licence to France and the Netherlands are not then re-exported to southern European countries. - (Holding answer 9 November 2001).

Answer: Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that once the foot and mouth disease export restrictions have been lifted UK animals exported under licence to France and the Netherlands are not then re-exported to southern European countries. [13547] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 9 November 2001]: Animals are not exported under licence although there is EU legislation covering the animal health requirements that must be met before animals move within the Community and the veterinary checks that must take place. EU rules governing animal welfare during intra-community trade in cattle, sheep and pigs lay down specific requirements which must be met during any journey. We enforce these rules rigorously within our jurisdiction. When a journey starts in another member state it is the responsibility of the authorities in that member state to ensure compliance with animal health and animal welfare requirements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13547; 374 c597W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Animals Exports Disease control Foot and mouth disease France Livestock Netherlands
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk