§ 18. Mr. CanavanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received this year about animal welfare; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Department continues to receive a very large number of representations on animal welfare.
The Government attach great importance to this issue and will continue to press for the high standards in this country to be adopted throughout the European Community.
§ 19. Mr. BurnsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to improve animal welfare throughout the EC.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government will continue to press for the Community to set the highest welfare standards, in line with the declaration which has been agreed at Maastricht, following a United Kingdom initiative, on the need for Community legislation to take full account of animal welfare.