HC Deb 01 July 1996 vol 280 cc315-6W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the animals welfare issues for which his Department has responsibility; [34302]

(2) if he will list (a) United Kingdom legislation, (b) EU legislation and (c) international treaties, conventions or other obligations concerning animal welfare for which his Department has responsibility. [34303]

Mr. Howard

[holding answer 25 June 1996]:The information requested is as follows: Domestic legislation

EU legislation Directive 86/609/EEC on the Approximation of Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Regarding the Protection of Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (and subsequent amendments) International treaties, conventions or other obligations European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals

The Home Office is responsible for animal welfare issues relating to animal experimentation and to domestic, captive and wild animals listed in the legislation set out above.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list by group, division or other work unit the number of grades of staff working within his Department on animal welfare issues. [34304]

Mr. Howard

[holding answer 25 June 1996]: The information requested is as follows:

The relevant work is undertaken by 1.8 senior executive officers, 2.7 higher executive officers, 1.5 executive officers, 8.5 administrative officers, 6.1 administrative assistants and secretarial support, and is overseen by a grade 6 officer as part of his wider responsibilities. The animal (scientific procedures) inspectorate comprises: one chief inspector, three superintendent inspectors, 15 inspectors and secretarial support.