§ Mr. Cohenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any proposals to prohibit or reduce the use of dry sow stalls or girth straps and chains which severely restrict movement of pregnant sows; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Farm Animal Welfare council has recently begun a review of pig production systems including dry sow stalls, tether stalls and farrowing crates, and will be considering whether some welfare aspects should be made the subject of regulations. I understand that the council hopes to make proposals on this next year and I look forward to receiving them. Meanwhile I have no plans to prohibit or reduce the use of the systems mentioned.