To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his Department’s (a) advisory bodies and (b) committees concerned with animal health and welfare; and if he will make a statement. (67179)

The Home Office has one advisory body concerned with animal health and welfare, the Animal Procedures Committee. The role of the Animal Procedures Committee is to advise the Home Secretary on matters concerned with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and his functions under it. In doing so, the Committee is required to have regard to the legitimate requirements of science and industry and to the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use in scientific procedures. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has lead responsibility for other aspects of animal health and welfare.