HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 c317W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has as to disparity in practice in implementing the EEC farm animal convention in member states of the Community.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I take it that the hon. Member is referring to the European convention on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, elaborated in the Council of Europe rather than the European Community. It contains very general provisions, which contracting parties are free to implement in their own way, and I have no information about disparities in the steps they have taken.