§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the production and consumption of turkeys reared to organic standards and by welfare-friendly methods. [4142]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe welfare of all livestock on agricultural land is protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to livestock, and subordinate legislation. The welfare of turkeys is further protected by a welfare code which sets out more detailed requirements.
We are encouraging the production of all types of organic food. We support the work of the independent UK 831W register of organic food standards which control production standards for all sectors, including poultry.