§ Mr. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the current investigation by the Farm Animal Welfare Council into conditions of slaughtering of animals in abattoirs, any changes are being considered regarding the piece-rate system of payment for slaughtermen.
§ Mrs. FennerThe Farm Animal Welfare Council reported to Agriculture Ministers on the welfare of red meat animals at the time of slaughter in June this year, and commented on the payment of slaughtermen on a piece-work basis. We are now considering the council's recommendations.
§ Mr. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what training is given to slaughtermen and what encouragement to act in a humane manner when dealing with animals for slaughter.
§ Mrs. FennerTraining of slaughtermen is a matter for managements of slaughterhouses subject to any conditions laid down by local authorities in granting licences to slaughtennen. Recommendations by the Farm Animal Welfare Council regarding the training of slaughtermen are now under consideration by the Government.