HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 cc663-4W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what actions he has taken on the recommendations of the Banner committee. [20422]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

[holding answer 17 March 1997]: The Government have made significant progress in taking forward the various recommendations in the Banner report.

In particular, the Farm Animal Welfare Council has already agreed to adopt the general principles set out in the report and has established arrangements for liaison with the animal procedures committee.

A working party has also been set up to look into the role of non-veterinarians in relation to the artificial insemination of cattle and horses. We continue to support internationally harmonised controls on genetically modified organisms and efforts to achieve an acceptable EU patents directive.