§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has concerning the number of reported incidents of the illegal clipping of deer antlers for their velvet.
§ Mr. MellorInformation is not collected centrally. We are not aware that there have been any prosecutions for illegal clipping of deer antlers since it was made illegal in 1980.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter regulations affecting the slaughter of farm-raised deer.
§ Mrs. FennerI have been asked to reply.
The Farm Animal Welfare Council earlier this year submitted to the agriculture Ministers a report on the welfare of farmed deer, covering the welfare aspects of their farming, transport and slaughter. Comments have been sought from all interested parties, and we shall respond with our proposals once full consideration has been given to the results of that consultation.