HC Deb 03 November 1993 vol 231 cc252-3W
Mr. Hoon

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to improve the welfare of laying hens.

Mr. Soames

We are awaiting Commission proposals to set revised welfare standards for laying hens kept in battery systems and new standards for hens kept in alternative systems. The Government wish to see the highest welfare standards set on a Community basis for laying hens in all systems of production.