Vol. 454 No. 6
185 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the amount of floor space required by any given animal, in proportion to its size, being exported by road and by sea to allow it to lie down as referred to on page 23 of the new regulations controlling conditions of live exports. [11291/95]
186 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself that regulations controlling conditions of live exports provide adequate space to permit a sufficient number of cattle being transported to lie down at the same time. [11292/95]
187 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on whether the monitoring of live export conditions is in any way adequate in relation to crowding, resting, food and water. [11293/95]
I propose to take Questions No. 185, 186 and 187 together.
The loading densities to be provided for the different categories and weights of animals are set out in Chapter VI of the First Schedule to the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Order, 1995, which I introduced recently on the basis of measures being discussed by the Council of Ministers of the European Union. The Order stipulates that, unless special conditions for the protection of animals require otherwise, room to lie down shall be provided. I am satisfied that the arrangements I have put in place will allow animals to lie down in numbers where their natural behaviour so requires.
