§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the present composition of the Farm Animal Welfare Council and what subjects it has under present consideration.
Earl FerrersThe Farm Animal Welfare Council has 21 members at present including the chairman, Professor R. J. Harrison, F.R.S., M.A., M.D., D.Sc., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., who has recently been reappointed by the Agriculture Ministers in Great Britain for a further three-year term of office. The members are:
- Mrs. M. A. S. Bates, B.Sc.(Agric.).
- Rev. A. L. Birbeck, M.A.
- Mr. P. L. Brown, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
- Mr. S. Burgess, F.B.I.M.
- Mr. J. H. Cullimore, J.P.
- Professor J. M. M. Cunningham, C.B.E., B.Sc. (Agric.), Ph.D., F.R.S.E., F.I. Biol.
- Mr. R. Ewbank, M.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., F.I.Biol.
- Mrs. Ruth Harrison.
- Mr. D. L. Haxby, M.R.C.V.S.
- Mr. H. F. C. Hebeler, F.R.C.V.S.
- Mr. R. J. Hopkins.
- Mr. J. A. Inverarity.
- Professor J. O. L. King, Ph.D., M.V.Sc., M.Sc. (Agric.), F.R.C.V.S., F.I.Biol.
- Mrs. G. Knight.
- Mr. D. G. Llewellyn, B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
- Mr. M. Nicholson, M.B.E., M.A., Dip.Ag.(Cantab.).
- Mr. C. Platt, M.I.Biol.
- Dr. D. W. B. Sainsbury, M.A., B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
- Mr. J. G. Thomas, B.Sc.(Agric.)
452 - Professor A. J. F. Webster, M.A., Vet., M.B., Ph.D., M. R.C.V. S.
There are currently two vacancies on the council resulting from the resignation of Mr. I. A. Turner and the death of Mr. J. McCaskie.
The council has recently completed its work on the revision of the codes of recommendations for the welfare of domestic fowls and turkeys and has submitted its draft revisions to Ministers. Work is progressing on draft codes for the welfare of farmed rabbits and ducks, and the council is now proceeding with a review of the welfare aspects of deer farming with a view to preparing a code.
Recent statements have been issued by the council on the subjects of research and development and on the technique of electro-immobilisation/anaesthetisation. The council is currently engaged on a review of the welfare aspects of the slaughter of livestock including religious slaughter, and members are carrying out a comprehensive programme of visits to red meat slaughter premises.
Consideration is also being given to Government proposals for a code of practice for the transport of livestock by air and for a poultry transit order. The council envisages progressing with its consideration of further regulations, which are based on the recommendations contained in the codes, and future work may also include a review of the welfare of farm animals at markets.