§ 1. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)What representations he has received from animal welfare organisations in connection with his Department's new ear tagging arrangements for cattle. [47156]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Elliot Morley)The new arrangements for double tagging of cattle result from European Union, not national, rules. Welfare organisations were included in the consultations on the new arrangements.
§ Mr. SwayneThe Minister will be aware that the tags have to be affixed to both ears of a calf during its first week of life. For some breeds, particularly Dexters, the tags will be larger than the calf's ears. For all breeds, those tags will snag and tear the soft flesh of the ear. Will the Minister review the system and take up the matter with his European Union colleagues to obtain an electronic and more humane alternative?
§ Mr. MorleyThe welfare issues relating to double tagging are very important. I should emphasise that the two tags do not have to be in the same ear—there can be one in each ear. We have managed to secure agreement that small breeds of cattle, such as Dexters, can wear a smaller second tag, which should take into account some of the welfare concerns. Welfare organisations and bodies such as the Dexter Cattle Society have been consulted on double tagging.
§ Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)I congratulate the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on taking a courageous view, for a Conservative Member, on animal welfare. I welcome that revised attitude to animal welfare, and I hope that he will be as sympathetic on the subject of hunting with hounds.
§ Mr. MorleyHunting with hounds is not a matter for me, but welfare issues are important. That is why we want 504 to progress such advances as electronic tagging—trials are currently taking place and will be completed by 2000. There are a whole range of animal welfare issues, and the Government should be congratulated on their progress in improving all kinds of animal welfare.