§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons Her Majesty's Government have not ratified the Convention of the Council of Europe for the protection of animals for slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [77606]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government fully intend to ratify the Convention and I am pleased to confirm that arrangements to do so are now nearly complete. Legislation implementing the Convention's provisions (and EU Directive 93/119) has been in place throughout the UK since 1996, but it has also been necessary to obtain the views of the authorities of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in order that ratification can take place.