§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has(a) to increase the mandatory space allowance for battery cages containing laying hens and (b) to establish a target date for phasing out the use of battery cages in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SoamesIt is already the Government's policy to seek revised Community rules to phase out the current design of battery cages and to increase the minimum space allowances set by the existing Community legislation. We look to the Commission to publish proposals for new welfare rules for laying hens as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council concerning the welfare of laying hens in colony systems.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government intend to publish a response to the Farm Animal Welfare Council's report in the near future.