§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve animal welfare within the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he is making in discussions with European Community counterparts about animal welfare.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government will continue to press for the high standards of animal welfare which apply in this country to be adopted throughout the European Community. We will give a high priority to animal welfare during the United Kingdom Presidency of the Community, and will seek to ensure that the Community acts on the principles of the declaration on protection of animals which was agreed at Maastricht following a United Kingdom initiative.