Lambs and Kids

HC Deb 29 March 1993 vol 222 cc48-9W

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when he intends to act on the 1987 FAWC report on the welfare of animals at market, in respect of a ban on the sale of lambs and goat kids under four weeks old at market unless at the foot of their dams;

(2) what is the number of unaccompanied lambs that have been sold at livestock markets in the current year;

(3) what action he is taking to enforce the MAFF Code on the Welfare of Animals in Livestock Markets (1990) in relation to unaccompanied lambs and kids.

Mr. Soames

In respect of the marketing of orphan or unaccompanied lambs, the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 (S.I. No. 2628), together with the guidance set out in the MAFF code of practice on the welfare of animals in livestock markets, implement the recommendations made by FAWC in its report. The FAWC report made no recommendation about banning the sale of lambs and goat kids in markets. The code of practice, which provides guidance and advice, has been drawn to the attention of all concerned with enforcement of the legislation.

Information on the numbers of unaccompanied lambs sold at markets is not collected centrally.