Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 16 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 May 2004 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, if she will oppose in the Council of Ministers proposals providing for journey time of longer than eight hours for all animals travelling for slaughter or further fattening; if she will make representations for EU regulations on the maximum legally permitted temperature at which animals can be transported to be reduced; and if she will make a statement; if she will make representations for EU regulations on the maximum stocking densities for animals in transit to be reduced to allow animals to (a) reposition themselves so as not to fall and (b) lie down comfortably; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will oppose in the Council of Ministers proposals providing for journey time of longer than eight hours for all animals travelling for slaughter or further fattening; [166931] (2) if she will make representations for EU regulations on the maximum legally permitted temperature at which animals can be transported to be reduced; and if she will make a statement; [166933] (3) if she will make representations for EU regulations on the maximum stocking densities for animals in transit to be reduced to allow animals to (a) reposition themselves so as not to fall and (b) lie down comfortably; and if she will make a statement. [166932] Mr. Bradshaw: These are all important matters that were considered at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 26 April. The talks failed as the Presidency could not secure a qualified majority for its proposals, which in our opinion failed to do enough to improve animal welfare. For this reason the UK was among those member states which could not support the Presidency.

Secondary information