§ Miss Maynardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the forcible feeding of geese and ducks for the production of foie gras in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI am not aware of any producers in this country using this technique. If geese or ducks were to be fed in this way in Great Britain the enterprises concerned would be subject to part 1 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause such animals unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress, and to inspection by staff of the State veterinary service. Similar provisions apply in Northern Ireland.