§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of routine visits to poultry farms to ensure minimum inspection requirements are met. [63376]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 15 December 1998]: I attach a high priority to the registration and inspection of farms wishing to use special marketing terms under EC egg marketing legislation. MAFF's Egg Marketing Inspectorate set annual targets reflecting the number, size and importance of the premises to ensure compliance with the set criteria. The figures are published annually in the Inspectorate's annual Report. Next year they will do the same for poultry meat marketing terms.
The State Veterinary Service visits farms to check compliance with statutory requirements and to encourage high animal welfare standards. Some visits are undertaken on a random basis, but priority is always given to responding to indications of possible welfare problems (e.g. complaints, problems detected at slaughterhouses).