§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the recommendations made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1992 for a legislative requirement for a twice-daily inspection of flocks of broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement. [37779]
§ Mr. MorleyWe intend to implement the Farm Animal Welfare Council recommendation for twice daily inspection in the new welfare code for broiler chickens which is currently in preparation. Changes to the current legislative requirement for inspection at least once a day are, in our view, best pursued at EU level. The effectiveness of the new code will be kept under review.
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the recommendation made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1992 that stocking densities for broiler chickens should be controlled by regulations; and if he will make a statement. [37774]
§ Mr. MorleyThe new welfare code for broiler chickens which is currently in preparation will repeat and reinforce the current recommendation for a maximum stocking density of 34 kg per sq metre. Implementation of a statutory limit is, in our view, best pursued at EU level. The effectiveness of the new welfare code will be kept under review.