Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 March 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 March 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, what representations she has made (a) in the Council of Ministers and (b) to the European Commission to include the minimum values legislation in the proposed EU regulation on the protection of animals during transport; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has made (a) in the Council of Ministers and (b) to the European Commission to include the minimum values legislation in the proposed EU regulation on the protection of animals during transport; and if she will make a statement. [159500] Alun Michael: Minimum values rules apply to certain types of working horses if they are exported for work and to ponies, but not to the majority of horses. It has been confirmed by the Commission in response to an Opposition MEP that such a restriction on the free movement of horses is unacceptable and this is consistent with our own legal advice and the understanding of horse welfare organisations in the UK. That is why we have instead developed an equivalent, welfare based alternative in collaboration with equine organisations. Our wishes have been included in the draft welfare in transport regulation, now before the Council of Agriculture Ministers. We have no intention of relaxing the application of the minimum values rules until the new arrangements are in place. It should be noted that they will have wider application to the welfare of horses within the United Kingdom and across Europe including the accession states.

Secondary information