§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which of the recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report on the welfare of livestock when slaughtered by religious methods he proposes not to implement; which would require primary legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government's response to the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report on religious slaughter was published on 29 October 1987 (MAFF press release No. 326/87) and a copy is available in the Library of the House. This explains the Government's conclusions on each of the council's recommendations and the reasons for them.
Proposals for regulations to implement many of the council's recommendations were issued for public comment on 20 June 1989. Representations received are now being considered and regulations will be laid before Parliament in the near future.
Primary legislation is required to implement a council recommendation that deer should not be slaughtered by religious methods in abattoirs, although my understanding is that no such slaughter takes place. The legislation will be introduced as soon as the parliamentary programme permits.