Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to increase the significance of improving animal welfare within the work of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Animal welfare is, and will continue to be, a high priority for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Through its knowledge and expertise, effective delivery of regulatory functions, and provision of guidance and advice, APHA plays a critical welfare role.