109 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ban live exports to Libya and Egypt because it is both uneconomic for this country and appallingly cruel to the animals involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I do not propose to impose a ban on the export of live animals. This country has a long tradition in live exports even though the balance of exports has shifted significantly from cattle to beef. The continuation of some live trade encourages competition for cattle supplies and benefits producers.