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Animal Welfare Bill

In previous debates, we suggested that inspectors had considerable powers to deal with companion animals. I believe that this is the only clause that refers specifically to the inspection of farm premises. I am intrigued by the measure as I thought that there had recently been a move towards simplification and for the single farm payment to involve fewer people. I thought that the Haskins review sought to drive down regulation and the number of people inspecting farms. Inspections of farms already take place on a regular basis. The longer he occupies his post, the more aware of that the Minister becomes. Checking compliance with regulations and rights of entry to farm premises are covered in primary and secondary legislation, but why does Clause 27 deal with farm premises only, when they are covered under other legislation? Will these inspectors be different from those who inspect farms on a regular basis? What is their position? What is the position of inspectors who currently inspect farms? As I say, checking compliance with regulations and rights of entry to farm premises are covered in primary and secondary legislation relating to everything from the single farm payment to emergencies such as foot and mouth and routine work on, for example, bovine TB and TSEs. The Minister in the other place explained that the aim of a single visit was very much key to the Government’s thinking. Therefore, I am intrigued by Clause 27. Perhaps the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, will be good enough to explain the Government’s thinking behind the clause and to say why the inspection rights for farm premises only have been included in the Bill. As I read the clause, it does not include dog breeders, cat breeders, kennels, veterinary accommodation or livery stables, which could be classed as the same sort of premises as farms. However, those places are not included, only farm premises. This is a probing measure. I am trying to find out the Government’s thinking behind the clause.