Livestock: pod row
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PORTSMOUTH City Council's attempts at preventing the transit of animals for food purposes (other than breeding stock) through the port at Portsmouth have hit a major setback, writes MIKE RUTHERFORD.
Because the Speaker of the House of Commons ruled that the Bill could not proceed, the council may consider submitting a public Bill which would need outside support.
The proposed restriction is justified by the council on the grounds that the trade offends public morality and is contrary to public policy.
The Freight Transport Association considers that Parliament, through public legislation and courts, should be the arbiter of public policy in such matters when they affect national activities.
The FTA fears that a dangerous precedent would be set if local authorities were to assume that role through the medium of a private Bill.
Portsmouth has received objections from the FTA, as have the Department of Transport and the Department of Trade. The FTA has also associated its name with a petition to be lodged against the Bill by the National Farmers Union.