§ Sir Trevor Skeetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the extent of ritual slaughter in the United Kingdom; what is his policy towards seeking amendment of the law with regard thereto; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1986]: Statistics of animals slaughtered by religious methods are not maintained centrally. However our most recent estimate is that less than 1 per cent. of total animals, including poultry, slaughtered in Great Britain are slaughtered under the exemption from prior stunning. A further 2 per cent. are slaughtered according to religious law after being stunned. Government policy on religious slaughter is under review in response to the recommedations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.