Farm Animal Welfare

HC Deb 18 July 1991 vol 195 c278W

20. Mr. Butler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress in farm animal welfare since 1987.

Mr. Maclean

Since 1987, regulations have come into force which ban the veal crate, phase out close confinement systems for pigs, set standards for battery hens and general welfare standards for all farm livestock.

Two new welfare codes have been made.

Regulations last year implemented many of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's recommendations on the slaughter of red meat animals and on religious slaughter.

Orders have been made to give further protection to poultry during transport, and to farm animals and horses at market.

We are actively pressing for the high standards of animal welfare in this country to be extended throughout the European Community.