§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote meat products produced from animals raised to high standards of animal welfare. [100761]
§ Ms QuinFor species such as pigs, where animals produced in the UK are subject to higher statutory welfare standards, we have been encouraging retailers, caterers and public procurement authorities to source their supplies to British standards. These high welfare standards offer the domestic pig industry a strong marketing advantage. This is recognised by the Meat and Livestock Commission, the body responsible for promoting meat and meat products, which has made welfare an important part of its British Quality Standard for pigmeat scheme.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the enforcement regime for animal welfare legislation for farm animals. [100762]
§ Mr. MorleyOur approach to enforcement of the law on farm animal welfare is kept under regular review. The recent report on this subject from the Farm Animal Welfare Council and the secondment to MAFF of local authority enforcement officers contribute to this process.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in the last six months suggesting changes in the legislation on animal welfare for farm animals. [100763]
§ Mr. MorleyI have received a number of representations in respect of farm animal welfare legislation, in particular in response to consultations on the draft Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations and on the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997.