Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 November 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 21 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fisheries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research she has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the ability of (i) decapod crustaceans and (ii) cephalopods to experience pain; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: DEFRA has not directly commissioned any research on the ability of decapod crustaceans or cephalopods to experience pain.However, other research evaluated by DEFRA veterinary and scientific advisers shows no evidence that crustaceans are capable of conscious awareness, a prerequisite for experiencing pain.The current scientific evidence on the ability of cephalopods to experience pain is less clear-cut. However, the use of certain animals, including cephalopods, in research, is being carefully considered at EU level.

Secondary information