§ Lord Northfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many unannounced visits were made during the last two years by veterinary officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to abattoirs slaughtering deer, in order to ascertain whether, as recommended in the relevant code, abattoir management had arranged for a veterinary surgeon to be present during the stunning and slaughter of the deer; and what were the findings of such unannounced visits.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Trumpington)No unannounced visits have been made by officers of the State Veterinary Service to abattoirs when deer slaughter has been taking place. All visits to monitor and advise on the voluntary code of welfare on the abattoir slaughter of deer have been arranged following notice from operators, in accordance with the code, of an intention to slaughter deer.