HC Deb 12 June 1996 vol 279 cc200-1W
Mr. Khabra

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, at the forthcoming intergovernmental conference, the Government will make it their policy to argue for the re-classification of animals as sentient beings in the treaty of Rome. [32452]

Mrs. Browning

The Government have made it clear that they wish to see further progress made on animal welfare at a Community level. That is why we are seeking to have a protocol added to the treaty of Rome which will place a formal, legal obligation on Community institutions to give full regard to considerations of animal welfare in the exercise of their powers on agriculture, transport, research and the single market.