§ 9. Mr. ColemanWhen he last met representatives of the major animal welfare organisations. [17673]
§ Mr. MorleyMy colleagues and I have had a number of meetings with the major welfare organisations.
§ Mr. ColemanI thank my hon. Friend for his reply. Will the Government be supporting the Bill introduced by 480 my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) to improve the welfare of animals in quarantine? Can he confirm that the days of animals being kept away from their owners for long periods will soon come to an end? That would be particularly welcome to elderly residents in my constituency.
§ Mr. MorleyI can confirm that, we support the principle behind the Bill—improving welfare standards in quarantine establishments. Furthermore, we shall publish a list of the establishments that have signed up to the MAFF voluntary code.
§ Mr. BluntIs the Minister aware that, when I go to my constituency tomorrow to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union—the organisation that looks after more animals than any other—I shall take a copy of today'sHansard to show how much the Government care about agriculture?
§ Mr. MorleyI am not sure what that has to do with the question. The message that the hon. Gentleman should take to the farmers is that the Government are aware of their concerns and are following the budget for farm support laid down by the previous Government.