CHINA'S BEAR FARMS

Early day motion 446, tabled 19 December 2002 by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative). Signed by 59 members.

That this House is appalled by the tortuous and unspeakable conditions endured by thousands of bears kept in bear farms across China, where they are 'milked' for bile from their gall bladders that is used in traditional Chinese medicine, cosmetics and wine; recognises that there are many highly effective herbal and synthetic alternatives to bear bile available on the market; congratulates the World Society for the Protection of Animals on their campaign to highlight this issue; and calls on the Chinese Government to end this medieval practice.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.