As was pointed out by Mr. Hudghton, the European Parliament declaration calls upon the European Commission to take action. The commission is not obliged to take action, and even if the commission were to take action, it would be in the form of a proposal, which would have to get a majority of the member states in the Council of Europe, plus approval of the Parliament. So it's a long process. But what is very important, I think, is that today there is a discussion at the European Commission in Brussels on the reply to the European Parliament.
If I could make a suggestion, you have talked about a study you are doing, and I think it would be very helpful if an extract of that study could be on the commission's table at the very latest on Monday next, because the commission will be obliged to reply to the Parliament very quickly, since not only is there a Parliament declaration, but there is also now a resolution of the Council of Europe. You can imagine the lobbying and all the pressure the animal welfare organizations will be putting on the commission, so I would expect the commission to come out with a formal reply to the Parliament within the next week. That is my guess.
I would strongly urge you to supply as much information as possible at the highest level. I would even suggest perhaps a letter to the two commissioners responsible: Mr. Dimas, who is the main commissioner responsible on our side, and Mr. Borg, of course, officially.
I would strongly recommend you to do that, and please, as quickly as possible.