To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which codes of conduct to be issued under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 the Government is currently working on; and which bodies have been appointed to advise on each code.

[Official Report, 12 January 2009, Vol. 486, c. 207-08W.]

Letter of correction from Jane Kennedy:

An error has been identified in the final paragraph of the written answer given to the hon. Member for Leominster (Bill Wiggin) on 12 January 2009. The final paragraph was as follows:

Gamebirds: Animal Health, British Association for Sport Shooting, Countryside Alliance, Country Landowners Association, Game Conservancy Trust, Game Farmers Association, League Against Cruel Sports, National Gamekeepers Association, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and two independent advisers. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government will act as observers.

The correct answer should have been: (243291)

DEFRA is currently consulting on three draft codes of practice to be made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006—cats, dogs and equines. We are also proposing to draft codes on the private keeping of primates and on the rearing of gamebirds for sporting purposes.

DEFRA has had the assistance and co-operation of the following stakeholders in the preparation of these codes:

Cat: British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Companion Animal Welfare Council, Feline Advisory Bureau, Pet Care Trust, Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, Pet Food Manufacturers Association, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and an independent veterinary adviser. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government acted as observers.

Dog: Companion Animal Welfare Council, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Kennel Club, Pet Care Trust, Pet Food Manufacturers Association, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and an independent veterinary adviser. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales acted as observers.

Equine: DEFRA is consulting on a similar code of practice prepared by the Welsh Assembly Government. This code was prepared by Welsh Assembly Government in consultation with a number of horse interest bodies.

Primates: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a combination of animal keepers, dealers, with an interest in primates. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government will act as observers.

Gamebirds: Animal Health, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Countryside Alliance, Country Landowners Association, Game Conservancy Trust, Game Farmers Association, League Against Cruel Sports, National Gamekeepers Association, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and two independent advisers. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government will act as observers.