HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc317-8W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received concerning the proposed designation of farm animals as sentient under the treaty of Rome;

(2) what plans he has to propose to the Council of Ministers that the treaty of Rome be amended in order to designate farm animals as sentient creatures;

(3) what plans he has to press for a reappraisal of the status of farm animals within the EEC in the context of a single European market in 1992.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I am aware of suggestions that farm animals should be given a new status under the treaty, but have received no representations about this. It is clear, however, that the treaty already provides power to adopt farm animal welfare measures, and the European Commission is working on a number of new regulations within the context of the single European market. I therefore see no need to press for a change in the status of farm animals.