§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what standards he will press the EC to adopt in relation to(a) keeping of battery hens, particularly with respect to size of cage and (b) care of animals in transit, particularly with respect to feeding and watering intervals for such animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government believe that the current Community minimum standards for battery cages are unacceptable. We shall be arguing for a substantial increase in space allowances for each hen and other improvements to the cages together with the highest possible standards for alternative systems. We are now awaiting the report and conclusions of the Commission's review of egg-laying systems.
On transport of animals, we will be pressing for the excellent rules which apply in the United Kingdom to be reflected in the further decisions to be taken by the Community.