§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the cruelty involved in the production of paté de foie gras; and if he will take steps to stop such cruelty.
§ Mr. BishopThe matter was raised in a letter circulated by an animal welfare society, about which several hon. Members have written to us, and I have today answered a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Butler).
I am advised that the production of pâté de foie gras does not necessarily involve cruelty. As the complaint referred to concerned the production of pâté de foie gras in France, it would be for the authorities in that country to prevent any cruelty that might be involved.