§ Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will seek to amend the Agriculture Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause or permit farm animals to suffer unnecessary pain or distress, so as to make clear when pain or distress are unnecessary or necessary.
§ Mr. John MackieNo. It would be impracticable to amend section 1(1) of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968, in this way. My veterinary staff are competent to judge whether pain or distress is unnecessary; and in prosecutions for alleged offences under Section 1 of the Act it will be for the courts to decide whether such pain or distress was in fact caused.