§ Sir Andrew BowdenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when Her Majesty's Government plans to ratify the European convention for the protection of animals at slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [26240]
§ Mrs. BrowningCouncil directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing takes account of the European convention for the protection of animals at slaughter. The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995, which apply in Great Britain, implement that Community directive.
Parallel legislation is being prepared in Northern Ireland and should be implemented during this year. When this legislation is in place, it is the Government's intention to ratify the European convention on behalf of the United Kingdom.