To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Skills on introducing animal welfare education classes to schools. (146583)

No such discussions have taken place. However, I am aware that in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), pupils learn to “take and share responsibility”, which can include looking after animals properly. In addition, many local authorities run their own animal welfare education schemes in schools. For example, both Coventry city council and the London borough of Lambeth give regular performances and presentations on animal welfare at primary and secondary schools. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also provides teaching resources for animal welfare education for use in classrooms.