Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 15 June 2009.

EU: Transport of Horses

Question: My Lords, the figures produced by World Horse Welfare are horrific. If the Government are unable to persuade the EU to widen its review, will they consider asking the redoubtable Joanna Lumley to become their enforcer, preferably as a Member of this House, since she might be able to succeed where they may fail?

Answer: My Lords, I am certainly prepared to meet Joanna Lumley to discuss this issue further... My Lords, I emphasise that we anticipate that the European Union's commitment to review regulation 1/2005 indicates a significant step in the right direction. I hasten to add that all our organisations concerned with the welfare of animals have been putting in the strongest representations on this front, and the noble Lord can rest assured that we will pursue this issue with the utmost urgency.

Secondary information