§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, following the code of recommendations 1983, he will take steps to prevent the use of veal crates and stalls; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe code of recommendations for the welfare of cattle already discourages producers from using veal crates. Loose housing systems are being increasingly used and most calves reared for veal are now kept in such systems.
The Government welcome this shift away from the veal crate system and will continue to encourage compliance with the recommendations of the welfare code. In these circumstances, I am not convinced that there is a need for the Government to take further steps.