§ Dr. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to implement paragraph 37 of the Brambell report on animal welfare of 1965; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Fenner[pursuant to her reply, 28 April 1986, c. 314]: Paragraph 37 of the Brambell report dealt with the freedom of movement of animals which are confined. Since that report the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 has made it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to farm livestock. The codes of recommendations made under that Act seek to protect the welfare of animals kept in intensive systems. Members of the state veterinary service visit farms to check on compliance with these codes. The independent Farm Animal Welfare Council, set up in 1979, also advises Ministers on such welfare matters.