Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his contributions 13 December 2012, Official Report, column 529, on live animal exports, what instructions or criteria he has issued to the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency to implement a zero tolerance policy; and what measures he will take against (a) transporters authorised to operate in the UK and (b) transporters authorised to operate in other EU member states under this policy.
[135860]
Answer
The changes made in relation to Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency operational activities in relation to exports via Ramsgate are being reflected in the terms of their Operations Manual.
Transporters are not separately authorised to operate in this country and in other member states. Once authorised, a transporter can operate in any member state it so chooses.
Any regulatory action taken by DEFRA against transporters authorised in another member state must be in accordance with the requirements of article 26 of Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005.