HC Deb 30 June 1997 vol 297 cc58-9W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he is doing to respond to the recommendations of the committee chaired by Michael Banner, Professor of Moral and Social Theology at King's College, London, on the ethical implications of new technologies in animal breeding. [4500]

Mr. Rooker

Much progress has already been made on the various recommendations in this report, but we will be considering what more is needed.

MAFF already holds annual meetings on the need to conserve farm animal breeds, maintains a register of breeds and supports research on animal biodiversity. In addition, following discussions with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, a working party was set up last year to look into the role of non-veterinarians in relation to the artificial insemination (AI) of cattle and horses. The results of this exercise, which may affect the way the recommendations of the Banner Committee are taken forward in relation to AI, are currently awaited.

The Fann Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has been operating the general principles set out in the report for some time now and has established arrangements for liaison with the Animal Procedures Committee. Additionally, an ethicist has been appointed to the Council.

Finally, the Government is presently seeking an acceptable outcome from negotiations on the EC patents Directive taking account of the Banner recommendations.