§ 25. Dr. PalmerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take further steps to encourage the market in meat produced to high standards of animal welfare. [4698]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government recognise the importance of standards of production for consumers and the market. We therefore welcome all industry initiatives to enhance further welfare standards and to highlight those standards to consumers. Financial assistance towards such initiatives is available through the England Rural Development Programme. It includes schemes which assist improved processing and marketing of quality products from welfare friendly systems, and related training for farmers
§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her plans to minimise animal welfare problems in south Cumbria. [7517]
§ Mr. MorleyOur priority is to win the battle against foot and mouth disease. But we have provided for various animal movements schemes in order to overcome welfare problems. And in extreme cases, the Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme remains in place.