HC Deb 17 December 2002 vol 396 c683W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), on 26 November 2002,Official Report, c.230–31W. on the Animal Welfare Bill, if she will list those organisations that she or her officials have met to discuss the issue of pheasants in the proposed Animal Welfare Bill; and if she will make a statement on the balance of views of those organisations. [86123]

Mr. Morley

The organisations that have expressed views on the rearing of pheasants and were invited to the stakeholder meetings on the Animal Welfare Bill include:

  • Animal Defenders
  • British Association for Shooting and Conservation Compassion In World Farming
  • Farm Animal Welfare Council
  • Game Conservancy Trust
  • Game Farmers Association
  • League Against Cruel Sports
  • National Gamekeepers Organisation
  • RSPCA
  • Union of Country Sports Workers
A number of other organisations have given their views on pheasant rearing and husbandry in response to the consultation on the bill.

I am satisfied that I have received a balanced range of views.