§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being carried out into the advantages of high voltage stun and kill systems as recommended by the Farm Animal Welfare Council's 1984 report on the welfare of livestock at the time of slaughter.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe research which the Farm Animal Welfare Council recommended was commissioned by my Department. This has shown that the high current required to induce cardiac arrest in sheep and pigs will always instantaneously render the animals insensible to pain. Work into other aspects of high voltage stunning is continuing.
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§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to introduce the legislation and codes referred to in the Government response to the Farm Animal Welfare Council's 1984 report on the welfare of livestock animals at the time of slaughter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI expect to issue proposals For new regulations on the welfare of all animals at slaughter shortly. The codes of practice will be issued under new enabling powers which is it is proposed to take in primary legislation as soon as parliamentary time permits.