HC Deb 09 November 1989 vol 159 c777W
55. Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of battery fowls suffer broken limbs on the way to slaughter.

Mr. Maclean

Recent MAFF-funded research has indicated that about 30 per cent. of end of lay hens from battery units suffer from broken bones. Most of these are thought to occur when the birds are removed from the cages. The problem is not confined to battery units as further research indicates that birds from other systems—percheries and free range—have more old breaks than birds kept in cages.

Both MAFF and the industry are funding more research into the problem. The Government are supporting action by the industry to reduce the incidence of broken bones and plans to introduce legislation designed to improve cage design in order to minimise injury when the birds are removed.

Forward to