§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why his Department has withdrawn funding from research into the condition of battery fowls being transported to, and in the process of, slaughter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryWe accord high priority to safeguarding poultry welfare, and as such commission a substantial programme of related research, amounting to some £1.1 million in 1988–89. The overall level of funding in this area is not being reduced.
Much of the current research is investigating aspects of the condition of birds around the time of harvesting, transport and slaughter.
An initial contract revealed the extent of bone breakage in laying hens, and the results of this work are being published. We are considering proposals for further work in this area, to complement ongoing research and address the underlying causes of bone breakages in poultry.
353WThe current research is being carried out by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, the Agriculture and Food Research Council and the universities.
The industry, through the British Egg Industry Council is also funding two research projects on aspects of broken bones in hens.