HC Deb 11 February 1992 vol 203 cc495-6W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about the numbers or proportions of turkey poults which are subject to de-beaking; what guidelines he has issued to the turkey rearing industry; and what action his Department takes to ensure proper supervision of this practice.

Mr. Maclean

I understand that the proportion of turkeys which are beak trimmed in this country has fallen to under 20 per cent. Advice on beak trimming is contained in the Government's welfare code on turkeys, which states that beak trimming should be carried out only by a skilled operator or under his supervision.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to respond to the Farm Animal Welfare Council recommendation that legislation be introduced banning the routine non-therapeutic de-beaking of poultry.

Mr. Maclean

We shall be consulting interested organisations on the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report on the welfare of laying hens in colony systems. The Government will respond to the council's recommendations once all the comments received have been considered.

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