HL Deb 25 January 1996 vol 568 cc83-4WA
Lord Finsberg

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their intention to ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter, which they have already signed.

Lord Lucas

Council Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing takes account of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals at Slaughter. The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995, which apply in Great Britain, implement that Community directive.

Parallel legislation is being prepared in Northern Ireland and should be implemented during this year. When this legislation is in place, it is the Government's intention to ratify the European Convention on behalf of the United Kingdom.