§ Mr. Stephen Ross asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to introduce a set of standards relating to zoo management and animal husbandry; at what stage he intends to invite animal welfare organisations to comment on those standards; and whether he will make a statement.
290W§ Mr. Macfarlane:Discussions with animal welfare organisations and other interested bodies on standards for zoo management and animal husbandry should start within the next few weeks. We shall proceed as quickly as possible with the introduction of the standards, but timing will depend on the progress made in the full and careful consultations which we have promised to undertake.