HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 cc81-2W
Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many hens of all descriptions have been compulsorily slaughtered under the provisions of the Zoonoses Order 1989 and the Animal Health Act 1981.

Mr. Maclean

Up to 2 March 1990, a total of 1,126,547 birds have been compulsorily slaughtered under the Animal Health Act 1981 as applied by the Zoonoses Order 1989.

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total value of payments to all contractors used to assist his Ministry in compulsorily slaughtering hens of all descriptions under the provisions of(a) the Zoonoses Order 1989 and (b) the Animal Health Act 1981.

Mr. Maclean

Up to 2 March 1990, £42,300 has been paid to contractors assisting in the compulsory slaughter of salmonella-infected flocks.

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will reconsider the policy of compulsory slaughter of chickens in the light of levels of employment in meat processing plants.

Mr. Maclean

The Government's measures to tackle salmonella are being kept under review.

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