§ 31. Mr. Bodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to control the new practice of docking cows' tails in those cases where it is not required by any injury to, or disease of, the tail.
§ Mr. John MackieMy right hon. Friend is considering this matter in connection with his proposals for legislation on farm animal welfare.
§ Mr. BodyDoes the hon. Gentleman not agree that this is the kind of practice which may be bringing dairy farming into disrepute? Is he aware that many dairy farmers would welcome legislation to deal with this immediately?
§ Mr. MackieAs a farmer who likes to look at his cattle, as well as accept the profits from them, I could not agree more. I would not like to dock cows and I am quite certain that a lot of dairy farmers feel the same way. We are looking at this under the animal welfare legislation which is coming forward.