HC Deb 04 July 1974 vol 876 cc576-8
3. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a ban on the import of pâté de foie gras in view of the cruelty often involved in its production.

Mr. Bishop

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 8th April to a Question by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes).—[Vol. 872, c. 17.]

Mrs. Butler

Since these birds overeat naturally, will my hon. Friend say why this most repulsive mechanical forced feeding is still permitted and whether any regulations in the EEC can prevent inadvertent cruelty by hundreds of operators who have no knowledge of animal pathology? Will he use such influence as he has to persuade the EEC to end this most distasteful practice instead of perpetuating it by regulation? In the meantime, will he suspend imports?

Mr. Bishop

I have an interest in this matter, because one of the Questions I had to withdraw on Monday was on this subject. For that reason I have gone into the matter a little more deeply than might otherwise have been the case. I am sure that many hon. Members share my hon. Friend's concern about this matter, and we are aware that it is being studied by Council of Europe welfare experts. I have inquired about the representation my Department has made on this and about the part it has taken in studying the methods used. I understand that the practices shown in a leaflet issued by an animal welfare society which is, quite rightly, concerned about these matters are not standard practice in France. A ban would have to be agreed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and would be contrary to our international agreements.

The matter is being pursued and I hope that we shall be able to use our influence internationally to come to some agreements. A ban would not solve the problem. It would imply only that we were pure whilst leaving other people to perform practices which might possibly be contrary to animal welfare interests in France and Britain.

Miss Fookes

Will the Minister please pursue his previous inquiries as though he were still a private Member, and not allow himself to be seduced by the blandishments of the Ministry of Agriculture? Will he make detailed inquiries, as I am making them? I shall present my results to him in due course.

Mr. Bishop

My Ministry does not set out to seduce anyone, much less Bishops. I have pursued this matter with my officials in some depth, and if the hon. Member wishes to submit any further evidence to me I shall certainly consider the matter. In the meantime, we are satisfied that there is no undue cruelty, and that France and Britain are subject to international laws on animal welfare and safety.