§ 28. Mrs. GormanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the latest position on relaxing the regulations of the Zoonoses Order concerning poultry.
§ Mr. SoamesI have already introduced a number of changes to the salmonella control measures in the light of developing circumstances and scientific knowledge. I will continue to keep the measures under close review.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number and percentage of(a) broilers and (b) laying hens in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which had (i) signs of bone defects or were (ii) seriously lame on reaching the slaughterhouse, in the most recent year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. SoamesThese figures are not collected centrally. However, in 1989 a survey commissioned by the Department indicated that 29 per cent. of hens from battery cages had damaged bones by the time they reached the stunner. Handling techniques were addressed in the light of these results and we plan to commission a further survey so see what changes have resulted. We also have a continuing programme of research into leg problems in broilers.