Farm Animal Welfare Council

HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 cc138-9W

Miss Fookes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has considered extending the terms of reference of the Farm Animal Welfare Council to cover the welfare of animals at slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

The Agriculture Ministers have decided to extend the terms of reference of the council to include the welfare of farm animals at the place of slaughter, including the handling of animals before slaughter and methods of slaughter. The revised terms of reference of the council are: To keep under review the welfare of farm animals

1. (a) on agricultural land
2. (b) at markets
3. (c) in transit
4. (d) at the place of slaughter,

and to advise the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

I hope shortly to announce the full membership of the council.