Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what limits there are on journey times for horses travelling to the continent for slaughter. [116453]

James Paice MP; Minister of State: The EU welfare in transport legislation (Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005, as implemented in England by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006, requires that domestic equidae be transported for a maximum period of 24 hours. During the journey, they must be given liquid and fed every eight hours.

A recent review of scientific evidence by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) suggested that a maximum journey time of 12 hours for horses going to slaughter would be more appropriate. We will continue to press the EU Commission to make this important change to the legislation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the rules for the conditions of travelling horses on their way to the continent for slaughter. [116454]

Mr Paice: There has been no recent assessment made of the rules for the conditions of travelling horses on their way to the continent for slaughter. These rules are laid down in EU Council Regulation 1/2005, as implemented in England by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006. We cannot act unilaterally in a situation where there are directly applicable EU rules already in existence.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) undertakes risk based inspections at ports such as Dover and will investigate any claims that horses are being transported contrary to the above rules or in conditions which might compromise the welfare of the animals.