§ 8. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on battery farming and the possibility of cruelty to animals involved; and what action he will take following the report of the Brambell Committee.
§ Mr. IremongerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people are getting very anxious about this delay and are feeling that the Minister does not have his heart in this? Could he not take advantage of Parliamentary time to take action with a little more expedition?
§ Mr. PeartIt is not a question of whether or not one has one's heart in this matter. One must scientifically assess both the best possible approach and what effects it could have on the industry? I feel, therefore, that this is a matter which should not be rushed but that there should be a careful study. This is exactly what I am doing.
§ Mr. GodberDoes the Minister recall that the leader of the House gave an indication that we would have a debate on this subject? Will the right hon. Gentleman help to secure that debate at the earliest possible moment in view of the real concern that exists about this matter?
§ Mr. PeartI would welcome a general debate on the Brambell Report. It would be interesting to know the views of all hon. Members on this subject. Those opinions may cut across party views.