asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they agree with the conclusions drawn in the 12th Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities (H.L. 70) on Guidelines for a Community Labour Market Policy.

I look forward with interest to reading the Select Committee's conclusions on this subject when the report is published and I shall write to the noble Lord as soon as possible thereafter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What arrangements are made for the escort of prisoners who are United Kingdom citizens from the prisons to a port of embarkation on the expiry of their sentences, if they have to leave the country, in each of the countries of the European Common Market, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Norway, Sweden and the United States respectively; and in each case whether there are any different arrangements for prisoners released on licence.

British consular officers do not make arrangements for the escort of released prisoners who are United Kingdom citizens from prisons to port of embarkation. In general, where arrangements for departure are not left to the individual we understand that the most common practice is for the local authorities to make any arrangements which may be necessary. Released prisoners who are destitute may apply to a consular officer for repatriation on the same conditions as any other United Kingdom citizen.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What certificates and other documents are necessary for the lawful export of live food animals; and what checks exist to guard against essential certificates being fraudulently obtained.

There must be an export licence, granted by the Department of Trade, and a certificate issued by a veterinary inspector who is appointed by the Minister of Agriculture stating that the inspector examined the animals at approved premises and found them fit to be shipped. In addition, an animal health certificate, signed by a veterinarian, is provided in accordance with the requirements of the importing country.The arrangements provide that certificates are issued only by appropriate veterinarians under well-defined rules which are monitored by the agriculture departments.House adjourned at two minutes before eight o'clock.