§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions spent hens have died when being transported from Northern Ireland, giving dates, the number of hens involved 680W and the reason for the cause of death on each occasion.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand there have been two recent reports of problems leading to the deaths of spent hens. I wrote to the hon. Member on 9 May providing information on one of these incidents, which is being investigated and may result in legal proceedings. I understand that the second case involved deaths of birds after arrival in Great Britain, and the question is therefore under investigation in Great Britain, and I will write to the hon. Member when the facts are known.