§ Sir Archy KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans 27W she has to propose changes to EU animal welfare regulations to improve the conditions of intensively farmed livestock and poultry; [170592]
(2) if she will commission further research into the efficacy of existing welfare standards applying to intensively reared livestock and poultry. [170593]
§ Mr. BradshawIt is for the EU Commission to propose changes to EU animal welfare legislation. In drawing up proposals, the Commission takes account of advice from its own scientific committee—the Animal Health and Animal Welfare Panel of the European Food Safety Authority; the results of research undertaken by Member States and developments in husbandry techniques.
Defra's farm animal welfare research programme is wide ranging, with projects on all the main livestock species. Details of our current projects can be found on the Defra website. The research provides a sound scientific basis to inform our policies and helps identify areas where we can press the Commission to come forward with proposals to improve the legislation.
§ Sir Archy KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the standard of enforcement of animal welfare regulations governing intensive livestock and poultry units; [170594]
(2) how many inspectors are engaged in maintaining animal welfare regulations governing intensive livestock and poultry units in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the levels of qualifications of inspectors. [170595]
§ Mr. BradshawThis Government is committed to ensuring a high standard of welfare on farms and to properly enforcing the legislation. The State Veterinary Service is the primary enforcement authority in the UK and 368 veterinary officers are engaged in the enforcement of on-farm welfare legislation. These officers are all qualified veterinary surgeons and have received comprehensive training and written instructions on how to enforce the legislation.
In 1999, the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), an independent body which advises Ministers on animal welfare issues, published its report on the enforcement of animal welfare legislation. Our response to FAWC's report can be found on the Defra website.
The EU Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is responsible for carrying out audits of the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare legislation in all Member States to ensure that it is being carried out uniformly across the Community.