§ Miss Fookesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ascertain the views of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council on the draft directive on the welfare of hens in battery cages.
§ Mr. WigginWe shall be seeking the Council's advice as soon as the European Commission tables its proposals.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council is a member of the ad hoc advisory committee formed by the European Economic Community Commission in March 1981 to consider the welfare of laying hens.
§ Mr. WigginI understand that the European Commission held one meeting in early 1980 with individuals representing a wide range of interests to discuss the welfare of laying hens. The technical assessor to the Farm Animal Welfare Council attended the meeting.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that officials of his Department taking part in European Economic Community discussions liaise with the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council on matters relating to animal welfare.
§ Mr. WigginThey will do so at all appropriate stages.