§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to establish a target date for banning the use of stall and tether systems by United Kingdom pig breeders;
(2) what plans he has to introduce legislation establishing minimum space allocations and minimum standards for bedding and foraging material for reared pigs in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Welfare of Pigs Regulations 1991 already ban the installation of new stall and tether systems in this country and require all such systems to be phased out by the end of 1998. The Community directive adopted in 1991 which sets minimum standards for the welfare of pigs addresses the need for bedding and foraging material. This directive must be implemented in the United Kingdom by the beginning of 1994. However, the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1990 already require pigs and certain other livestock to have a lying area which is well drained or well maintained with dry bedding.