§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will commission research into broiler chicken welfare. [152150]
§ Mr. BradshawDefra funds an extensive research programme into broiler chicken welfare. This includes projects on key issues such as leg health and stocking density. Defra will continue to assess proposals for research.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the report from the EU Scientific Committee for Animal Health and Animal Welfare on chicken welfare. [152151]
§ Mr. BradshawThe report of the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare is the first step in enabling the Commission to bring forward proposals on specific welfare standards for meat chickens. The Commission has held discussions with an expert working group and other interested parties. The UK has been involved in this process and will continue to play a full role. The Commission expects to issue proposals later this year.