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WRITTEN QUESTION E-2293/02
by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission
(25 July 2002)
Subject: Welfare of animals during transport and desirability of a
local abattoir in the Western Isles of Scotland
In the light of Council Directive 95/29/EC(1) amending Directive
91/628/EEC(2) concerning the protection of animals during transport, and
acknowledging the often adverse weather conditions experienced in the
shipping routes between the Western Isles and mainland Scotland, would the
Commission agree that the lack of local abattoir facilities in the Western
Isles is in part contributing to longer journey times for animals which
have to be shipped to the mainland for slaughter?
Would the Commission further comment on
ways in which the EU, in conjunction with the Scottish Executive and
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, could support the establishment of small local
abattoirs and mobile slaughterhouses in the islands so as to minimise
journey times and thereby enhance both animal welfare and public health?
Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission
(25 September 2002)
It is evident that the absence of abattoir facilities in the Western Isles
results in longer journeys for animals which are shipped to the Scottish
mainland for slaughter.
In relation to comments requested on the
establishment of small local abattoirs and mobile slaughterhouses, the
Commission would like to indicate that under Article 4, and by way of
derogation from Article 3, of Council Directive 64/433/EEC of 26 June
1964(1), on health conditions for the production and marketing of fresh
meat, local slaughterhouses may apply less strict rules, provided inter
alia that meat is placed on the market for marketing in their national
territory. Mobile slaughterhouses are allowed under current Community
legislation for slaughter of reindeer but not for slaughter of domestic
species. The Commission would like to stress that the overall respect of
the rules on public health remains a corner stone for ensuring the
practicability of any support initiative.
In relation to support for the
establishment of small local abattoirs, within the framework of the
structural funds programme for the Highlands and Islands under Objective
1, Community funding may be granted to investments under the measure for
improving processing and marketing of agricultural products (Articles
25-28 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support
for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and
Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations(2)).
The objectives of this measure, among others, are to improve or
rationalise marketing channels or processing procedures, to improve and
monitor quality and health conditions, and to encourage the development of
new outlets for agricultural products. In drawing up the programme the
regional partnership established additional objectives including adding
greater value to locally sourced raw materials and to encourage
investments which create and retain employment within the region.
However, while the Commission has
approved the programme in question, the responsibility for implementing
the measures and for the selection of projects to be funded remains
entirely in the hands of the Scottish authorities. |
