§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the role performed by the United Kingdom in the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts for the Protection of Animals; and if he plans to continue to encourage United Kingdom initiatives in this field of animal welfare.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend is highly satisfied with the United Kingdom's leading role — which reflects our widely acknowledged expertise in this area — in the successful drafting of a new European convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used in experimental and other scientific procedures. He hopes the convention will soon be agreed and opened for 279W signature. The Government will continue to support initiatives in the field of animal welfare which seem to them to be necessary and practicable.
§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what United Kingdom participation there is to be in the Council of Europe preparation of a convention on companion animals.
§ Mr. MellorAt this stage, we propose to keep in touch with this work through our receipt of the Council of Europe's papers on the matter.