To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to the animal welfare implications of EC directive 91/497 in respect of the additional distances animals may have to travel before slaughter.

Animals can be transported satisfactorily with proper safeguards. The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order 1975 requires food and water to be offered at intervals not exceeding 12 hours. There will continue to be opportunities for all sizes of business under the single market rules.