HC Deb 04 February 1999 vol 324 c767W
16. Ms Ryan

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken to improve the welfare of battery hens. [67811]

Mr. Morley

We are continuing to work with our EU partners to develop improved welfare standards for laying hens in battery cages and to set, for the first time, Community wide standards for non-cage systems. We have made it clear in these negotiations that our long term aim is to phase out cages altogether.