HC Deb 03 February 1983 vol 36 cc411-2
17. Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to seek to amend the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876.

Mr. Mellor

We hope to have proposals ready in the spring and to introduce legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. Atkinson

I thank my hon. Friend for his encouraging reply. Can he assure the House that the absence of a Council of Europe convention will not delay the introduction of any legislation before the next election, as this is one of the few remaining manifesto commitments by the Government yet to be implemented?

Mr. Mellor

The convention is at an advanced stage, and we shall make proposals shortly. However, implementation rests on matters that are not within my control.

Dr. M. S. Miller

When considering legislation on this subject, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that it will still be possible for medicines to be examined and tested properly so that benefits for all people are not adversely affected?

Mr. Mellor

I endorse what the hon. Gentleman said. This is a two-sided argument and there is great difficulty in knowing precisely where to draw the line. The difficulties are increased when only one side of the argument seems to be widely and publicly stated.

Mr. John H. Osborn

Has my hon. Friend received a report of a public hearing in December at the Council of Europe? Does he agree that the provisions of the convention are considerably milder than the 1876 Act and what might be acceptable here?

Mr. Mellor

There is concern over clause 9 of the draft convention, but I assure my hon. Friend that pursuant to clause 4 of the convention, if it be our will to apply stronger provisions in Britain than would be necessary by the convention, we have the right under the convention to do so.