§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to press the European Commission to publish its proposals for a new directive on the protection of animals during transport; and if she will make a statement. [118243]
§ Mr. MorleyWe have regularly pressed the European Commission to publish their proposals. At the Agriculture Council on 26 May 2003, Commissioner Byrne announced that he hoped to bring forward final proposals no later than July 2003.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has to give further support to animal sanctuaries in the United Kingdom; [117863]
(2) what steps she is taking to encourage the development of animal sanctuaries in the United Kingdom. [118058]
§ Mr. MorleyI applaud the good work carried out by conscientious and responsible people who devote their time to looking after sick, injured or unwanted animals.
The Department is currently working on a proposed Animal Welfare Bill, which will encourage more responsible animal ownership and thereby help to reduce the number of unwanted animals, a considerable number of which currently end up in animal sanctuaries.
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§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has had from animal welfare groups regarding animal sanctuaries. [117864]
§ Mr. MorleyA number of animal welfare groups have provided their views on animal sanctuaries during the consultation on an Animal Welfare Bill. My officials are continuing to talk to representatives of animal welfare groups, animal sanctuaries and other organisations responsible for the well being of animals as work on the Animal Welfare Bill progresses.
§ Mr. CawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will include provisions in the forthcoming draft Animal Welfare Bill to stop the practice of keeping primates as pets. [118063]
§ Mr. MorleyWhilst there are no specific plans to impose a ban on primates as pets, the content of the proposed Animal Welfare Bill is still to be decided. However powers are already available under Article 8.2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 to restrict the holding of species subject to control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (which includes all primates) and a paper setting out the Government's proposals for using these powers will be circulated for public consultation later in the year.
It is anticipated that a draft Animal Welfare Bill will be published for consultation next year.