§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many intensive farm units have been visited since the publication of the Codes of Practice in which the lighting falls short of that proposed in the Codes; and what action has been taken to investigate whether the standards laid down in the Codes are followed in this respect.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThis information could not be produced without disproportionate expenditure of time and effort; but in 1970 the State Veterinary Service surveyed more than 4,000 representative livestock units and in only 4 per cent. of these were the code recommendations on lighting not being fully complied with. In none of these cases was there evidence of unnecessary pain or distress being caused to livestock. Lighting is checked on all routine welfare inspections made by veterinary staff, and advice given to correct any shortcomings.