HC Deb 15 February 1967 vol 741 cc590-1
3. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of the report by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare on the processing of broiler chickens during 1966, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

44. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to ensure that broiler chickens are electrically stunned before their throats are cut, and that their immersion in scalding tanks does not take place until they are dead.

Mr. John Mackie

I have read the Federation's report. The Slaughter of Poultry Bill, which is before the House, applies to Great Britain and contains provisions as to the mode of slaughter of poultry for sale for human consumption and as to the making of regulations for securing humane conditions and practices in connection with such slaughter.

Sir Knox Cunningham

In view of the changed conditions as a result of factory farming, do the Government intend to have a new Order to replace the Conveyance of Live Poultry Order, 1919? Secondly, will the Government facilitate the passage of the Slaughter of Poultry Bill, which was given a Second Reading on 25th November?

Mr. Mackie

The Conveyance of Live Poultry Order, 1919, provides safeguards for the welfare of birds in transit, and we intend to review this Order to see what changes may be desirable. The Bill is due to go into Committee very soon.

Mr. Burden

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the U.F.A.W. report shows that there is very considerable cruelty at present? Second, when the Bill is being considered, will the hon. Gentleman or his right hon. Friend give thought to the need for inspection to ensure that regulations regarding slaughter are obeyed?

Mr. Mackie

We shall take note of the point made in the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. On the first part, I am not sure that it can be proved that there is a great amount of cruelty taking place. I have been through packing stations and have watched the process going on. Admittedly, it is not a very nice sight to see what is going on, but I doubt that there is the cruelty suggested.

Mr. Rankin

Can my hon. Friend assure us that the quality of the broiler chicken equals that of the free-run chicken?

Mr. Mackie

Tastes differ all over the world.

Mr. Rankin

Not taste, quality.

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