§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines his Department issues relating to(a) genetic defects and (b) physical abnormalities caused by breeding of animals in respect of (i) commercial breeding establishments and (ii) genetic engineering; and if he will make a statement. [33018]
§ Mr. George HowarthThere are no guidelines issued specifically covering animals with physical abnormalities bred in commercial breeding establishments. Genetically modified animals are bred and produced under project licences whether in commercial breeding establishments or elsewhere, and such breeding is subject to the controls of these project licences. The project licences define the specific welfare endpoints which are to be implemented.
The Home Office will shortly issue a supplementary guidance to applicants for project licences on projects to generate or maintain genetically modified animals. The Inspectorate are also drawing up for publication a Code of Practice for the care and welfare of high health status pigs for use in xenotransplantation processes.