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Animal Welfare Bill

That was a lively debate. I am glad that, by tabling my amendment, I enabled the ““hit squad””—if I may use the Minister’s collective noun for his noble friends—to share its views with us. Before today, I had not received any representations either from Showmen’s Guild or the APPG. Had I done so, I am sure that they would have learnt that I am certainly not a killjoy and had no intention of being one. We heard all the happy stories about how the fish lived happily ever after, but we have no evidence about all the fish that are flushed down the loo the next day because they are a nuisance or about any other animal that is otherwise disposed of in an unhappy way. All the evidence of a happy thereafter for pets which have been offered as prizes is purely anecdotal. However, a serious issue remains. We do not demean ourselves by debating it—nor is it just a matter of political correctness—because the Government are seeking to put a substantial onus on pet shops. They are seeking to set a standard for pet shops which I think that they will be unwilling to impose on their noble friends who run fairs and shows. I nevertheless recognise the constructive offer of the noble Lord, Lord Hoyle, to consider tabling an amendment on this matter. I look forward to discussing with him what form it may take. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.