HC Deb 01 February 2001 vol 362 c291W
15. Mr. McCabe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the priorities are of his Department's programme of research and development for animal welfare. [146790]

Mr. Morley

MAFF's research on animal welfare has funding up to £3.7 million in the current year. Its aim is to support our objective of ensuring farmed animals and fish are protected by high welfare standards and do not suffer pain or distress.

We have 45 projects in three programmes covering:

  • On-farm welfare
  • Welfare during handling and transport
  • Welfare at slaughter.
  • All receive equal priority.

21. Mr. Hilary Benn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning animal welfare in advance of the next round of World Trade Organisation negotiations. [146797]

Mr. Morley

I have received a number of representations on this subject, and have supported the Commission's proposal to the WTO that animal welfare issues be considered in trade liberalisation negotiations.