HC Deb 25 November 1970 vol 807 cc164-6W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, in its Report to him of September, 1970, regarding the Codes of Practice with regard to the provision of bedding for cattle and pigs permanently kept within buildings, concluded that the Cattle and Pigs Codes of Practice should be amended on ethical grounds so as to encourage the provision of bedding in sleeping areas for such animals; and what action he proposes to take in the light of this advice.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

In view of the scientific counter-arguments in the committee's report, and of the findings in the State Veterinary Service survey, my right hon. Friend does not propose to change the recommendations dealing with bedding in the existing codes.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has considered the finding of the Farm Animals Welfare Advisory Committee, in its Report to him of September, 1970, that, notwithstanding the lack of scientific justification of the proposal, beak-trimming should be phased out by regulation; and what specific action he now proposes to take so far as the future of beak-trimming of poultry is concerned.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My right hon. Friend has considered the ethical arguments about beak-trimming but does not consider that any specific action is called for.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, in its Report to him of September, 1970, that although well-designed and well-maintained slats should be acceptable as regards floors used in connection with the accommodation of cattle and pigs, on ethical grounds the Cattle and Pig Codes should be strengthened so that they discourage unbedded slatted floors except in separate dunging areas; and what steps he intends to take in the connection.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My right hon. Friend has considered the arguments about slatted floors in the committee's report and also the findings of the State Veterinary Service and has concluded that no change in the Cattle and Pigs Codes is called for.

Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he will take in view of the report made to him by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in September, 1970 recommending further research before a final conclusion is reached on the relative merits and demerits of the various systems for the provision of sow stalls, and that on ethical grounds the Pigs Code should be amended to discourage the continuous close confining of sows.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Advisory Committee has established a Research Sub-Committee to review all research requirements in animal welfare, including the housing of sows. In the meantime my right hon. Friend does not propose to change the relevant recommendations in the Pigs Code.

Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take in view of the Report made to him by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in September, 1970 recommending that on ethical grounds the relevant Codes of Practice should be modified so as to discourage all husbandry systems which deny animals the freedom to turn round although on scientific grounds there is no justification for such revision.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

None. The State Veterinary Service survey found no evidence that an inability to turn round prejudiced the welfare of the animals concerned.

Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take in view of the Report made to him by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in September, 1970 concluded that on scientific grounds a calf is not subjected to stress by denial of roughage and rumination but advising that until conclusive evidence is available, paragraph 24 of the Cattle Code should be amended to recommend the provision of roughage.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

None. The State Veterinary Service survey showed that where calves were denied access to roughage their welfare was not thereby at risk.