§ Mr. Favellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received in favour of the stunning of animals prior to ritual slaughter; and if he will now respond to the Farm Animal Welfare Council report on this subject.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department has received 255 representations in support of the recommendation in the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report that the slaughter of animals without pre-stunning should be prohibited within three years. We have also received numerous representations opposing this recommendation. We are now considering the council's report and all comments made on it before decisions are taken.