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?

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

(2) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.

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.

(1) OJ P 121, 29.7.1964.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.