§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received asking her to ban the slaughter of animals without pre-stunning; and if she will make a statement.[141953]
§ Mr. Bradshaw[holding answer 4 December 2003]: Following the recommendation in the Farm Animal Welfare Council report on the welfare of red meat animals at slaughter, a number of organisations concerned with animal welfare, and individuals, have called for a ban on slaughter of animals without prior stunning in this country.
Jewish and Muslim groups have suggested that the practice be maintained. We hope to issue our response for consultation early next year.
§ Mr. Gwyn ProsserTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the UK Government's representatives are pursuing the policy of an eight-hour journey limit for slaughter animals in EU Council working group meetings; and if she will make a statement. [143844]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Government is seeking a finite journey limit for the transport of animals destined for slaughter and further fattening, in accordance with our policy of replacing the long distance transport of animals for slaughter with a trade in meat. Journey limits cannot be considered in isolation and must be part of an overall package of agreed measures that provide a significant improvement in animal welfare throughout the EU and beyond.