§ Mr. ProsserTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to discourage developing countries from adopting industrial animal husbandry systems which have been shown by scientific research to have adverse implications for animal health and welfare; and if she will make a statement. [127849]
§ Mr. FoulkesDFID' s involvement in the livestock sector is based on an appreciation of the diverse contribution livestock make to the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable.
We are supporting the international "Livestock, Environment and Development" initiative, which seeks to identify policy interventions to correct the market distortions that currently favour industrial livestock production in many developing countries.
We are also developing a programme of support to FAO aimed at strengthening international norm-setting in the livestock sector: norms that will undoubtedly address issues of animal health and welfare.
DFID has anticipated the impact of globalisation on animal welfare and trade in developing countries. We already have guidelines on the use of animals in development programmes, which will now be revised in the context of global shifts in livestock production and markets. Dialogue with UK and international welfare groups and other stakeholders is under way.