That this House notes the current consultation on the draft Rural Development Programme for England (ERDP) 2007-13; is disappointed that the draft ERDP does not make use of the full range of measures to protect and promote animal welfare available under European legislation, including supporting appropriate farm assurance schemes, encouraging higher than minimum animal welfare standards, providing for training and incentivising investments in agricultural holdings; and supports the RSPCA in its call for an imaginative ERDP which provides much greater encouragement for higher animal welfare standards.

That this House notes the current consultation on the draft Rural Development Programme for England (ERDP) 2007-13; is disappointed that the draft ERDP does not make use of the full range of measures to protect and promote animal welfare available under European legislation, including supporting appropriate farm assurance schemes, encouraging...

That this House notes the campaign by the RSPCA to ensure that the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) from 2007 includes a strong commitment to high welfare standards for farm animals; further notes the steps taken in Wales and in Scotland to support animal welfare through rural development schemes there; and urges the Government to follow the example of the devolved administrations by ensuring that the ERDP sets out ambitious targets and funding streams, including within the agri-environmental heading for the maintenance and improvement of welfare standards for farm animals in England.

That this House notes the campaign by the RSPCA to ensure that the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) from 2007 includes a strong commitment to high welfare standards for farm animals; further notes the steps taken in Wales and in Scotland to support animal welfare through rural development schemes there;...