§ Mr. BowdenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what progress has been made with the implementation of the Welfare of Pigs Regulations 1991;
(2) how many dry sows in the United Kingdom are currently housed in sow stalls or tethers; what plans she has to phase out such systems by 1 January 1999; and what action will be taken against producers who fail to comply with this deadline.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Welfare of Pigs Regulations 1991 prohibit the keeping of sows in close confinement stalls or tethers on agricultural land unless the stalls and tethers were in use on that land before 1 October 1991. This temporary exemption will end on 1 January 1999 when the use of all such stalls or tethers will be prohibited. The regulations are enforced by the state veterinary service and producers who fail to comply can expect to be prosecuted.
It is estimated that approximately two thirds of the indoor breeding heard of 640,000 sows is now housed in alternative systems. To assist the industry, this Department is funding a programme of research into alternative systems of husbandry. It has also contributed to the work of the pig welfare advisory group and financed the publication of a series of nine booklets and associated workshops on alternative systems.