§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will complete consultation in relation to the draft code of welfare recommendations for farm livestock; when he will introduce regulations, and when he will initiate discussion with overseas Governments regarding the husbandry of livestock whose products are imported into the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. John MackieComments from interested organisations on the draft codes have been asked for by 30th November. These will be considered by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the agricultural departments, and it is hoped that the final versions can be submitted to Parliament for approval by May next year.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend have already announced our initial proposals for regulations under Section 2 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968, and I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 5 of the Answer given on 5th August 1966, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Kenyon). I am not yet able to say when it will be possible to make these regulations.
On the question of discussion with overseas Governments I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to him on 22nd October last.—[Vol. 733, c. 2004; Vol. 770, c. 271.]