§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to initiate discussions in the Council of Ministers and with the agriculture commissioner about banning the use of dry sow and tether stalls in pig farming.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe European Commission is already working on a proposal concerned with the welfare 689W of pigs kept in intensive systems. As soon as it is sent to the Council, I shall ensure that United Kingdom representatives play a full part in the discussions, taking account of British interests and the views of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.