HC Deb 25 January 1990 vol 165 cc821-2W
Mr. Ron Davies

To 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—red meat animals—at the time of slaughter, he proposes not to implement; which would require primary legislation to implement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

The Government's response to the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report on the welfare of red meat animals at slaughter was published on 20 August 1985 (MAFF Press Release No. 235) 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.

A number of the council's recommendations are included in proposals for regulations which 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 needed to:

  • require local authorities to designate an official to be responsible for welfare supervision in red meat slaughterhouses;
  • enable Ministers to issue directions to local authorities on supervision and enforcement matters relating to welfare;
  • give Ministers power to require slaughterhouse management to nominate a member of staff to be specifically responsible for animal welfare;
  • give Ministers powers to issue codes of practice with statutory backing on matters relating to welfare of animals in slaughterhouses;
  • add rabbits to the species covered by the welfare provisions of the Slaughterhouses Act 1974 and the Slaughter of Animals (Scotland) Act 1980;
  • require licences for slaughterhouses to be renewed on an annual basis in Scotland (this is already a requirement in England and Wales);
  • provide additional powers necessary for the training and licensing of slaughtermen.
  • Primary legislation will be introduced as soon as the parliamentary programme permits.

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