Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Friday, 27 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on recent discussions he has had with the Chinese Government concerning animal welfare.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent discussions he has had with the Chinese Government concerning animal welfare. [160074] Mr. Battle: We have made clear to the Chinese authorities the British public's opposition to the exploitation and cruel treatment of animals in China. The UK is at the forefront of international efforts to protect animals. We are closely involved in the work of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We support the work of non-governmental organisations in the field of animal welfare.

Secondary information