Swine Swill Farms

HC Deb 05 July 1990 vol 175 cc688-9W

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the number of unlicensed swine swill farms in operation; what steps he is taking to identify such premises; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

It is not possible to estimate whether and to what extent any swill farms remain unlicensed, but there is no evidence to indicate that this is a significant problem.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the animal welfare implications of the operating and feeding practices of swine swill farms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Swine swill farms are visited quarterly by the state veterinary service under the requirements of the Waste Food Order 1973. Welfare is monitored at these visits as well as at any other visits. Any welfare problems found will be dealt with as necessary either by giving advice or by recommending prosecution action.