Sows

HC Deb 11 May 1971 vol 817 cc195-6

31. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his intention that the Codes of Practice now awaiting ratification will permit the penning of sows in stalls in which they can neither walk nor turn around, and in which it will be legal for them to be incarcerated from the time of their first farrowing until their breeding life has ended.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave on 25th November, 1970 and 9th February, 1971 to his Questions on this subject.—[Vol. 807, c. 165; Vol. 811, c. 266–7.]

Mr. Burden

When will my hon. Friend stop stonewalling and give an undertaking to the House and to the country that he is not prepared to have animals incarcerated in diabolical conditions inside factory farms? If such conditions and practices obtained in zoos, the people responsible would be subjected to prosecution without delay.

Mr. Stodart

I have clearly failed to convince my hon. Friend that neither he nor I are experts on whether these sow stalls are cruel. I told him before, and I repeat, that they eliminate certain other discomforts, such as cannibalism and fighting, and they have the support of the Welfare Committee and the State Veterinary Service—

Mr. Burden

No.

Mr. Stodart

—both of which bodies' recommendations were accepted by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, as they are by us.

Mr. Rankin

Can the Minister assure us that these regulations have the undisputed majority support of the House of Commons? Have they ever faced that challenge?

Mr. Stodart

These regulations are under discussion at the moment with various organisations, and they will be laid before the House of Commons for discussion in due course.

Mr. Rankin

When?

Mr. Peter Mills

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that many animals are kept in far better conditions and provided with much better food and general climate than many elderly people?

Mr. Burden

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg leave to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.