EXPORT OF LIVE CATTLE FROM THE EU TO THIRD COUNTRIES

Early day motion 594, tabled 16 December 1997 by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 48 members.

That this House condemns the cruelty regularly involved in the export of live cattle from the European Union to the Middle East and North Africa; notes that the animals frequently suffer greatly during the long journeys and are often treated with great brutality during unloading in the Lebanon; notes that this cruel trade is heavily subsidised by the European Union taxpayer with around ú199 million being paid out in European Union export refunds in the year 16th October 1995 to 15th October 1996 to dealers who exported live cattle to third countries; is appalled that taxpayers' money is being used to subsidise and encourage a trade which regularly inflicts massive suffering on animals; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to use its forthcoming Presidency of the European Uniion to persuade the United Kingdom's European Union partners to end the payment of export refunds to dealers who export live cattle to third countries.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Unknown 1.