§ 1. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the equivalent level of welfare of animals kept intensively is maintained in those systems using extensive methods.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)The animal welfare provisions of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 apply equally to all commercial farm livestock.
§ Mr. SpenceWith regard to non-intensive methods of keeping animals, including poultry, has the Minister any means of measuring or registering the distress, as well as mortality, to animals, including poultry, occasioned by the recent inclement weather, with snow and flooding, with a view to bringing some balance to the animal welfare debate?
§ Mrs. FennerAnimals kept in controlled environments are not subject to the vagaries of the weather, but 524 my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be dealing in a later question with the effect of the severe weather on agriculture.
§ Sir Paul BryanDoes my hon. Friend agree that today, when most poultry is kept by intensive methods, the national poultry flock is probably healthier than ever before?
§ Mrs. FennerMy hon. Friend makes a point that undoubtedly has a basis in truth, but he will know that, in company with the rest of the European Community, we are seeking to ensure the best methods of intensive poultry-keeping.