§ Chris RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out, with statistical information, the effects of his Department's policies and action in relation to animal welfare since 2 May 1997 for the Vale of Clwyd constituency. [153135]
§ Mr. BradshawI have been asked to reply.
Records are not held at constituency level but key achievements since 1997 include:
Treaty Protocol on Animal Welfare which amends the Treaty of Rome and recognises animals as sentient beings, not merely commodities to be traded. Agreement on the farm animal welfare Directive setting minimum standards across the EU, implemented by the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2000.Improved standards for laying hens, which include a ban on barren battery cages throughout the EU and a Europe-wide ban on close—confinement sow stalls, which have been banned in the UK since January 1999. The creation of Defra in 2001 provided an opportunity to move the responsibility for welfare of all animals kept by man to a single Minister (with the exception of animals kept for experimental purposes which stays with the Home Office). Following consultation, the Government are undertaking a review of 21 animal welfare Acts relating to captive and domestic animals with the aim of consolidating them into one Animal Welfare Act. We hope to publish a draft Bill later this year.