§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many piglets have been(a) tail docked and (b) tooth clipped in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [1019]
(2) what has been the change in the number of piglets which have been (a) tail docked and (b) tooth clipped since 10 August 1994. [1018]
§ Mrs. BrowningFigures on the number of piglets which have been tail docked and tooth clipped are not available.
The Welfare and Livestock Regulations 1994 (SI 2126) require that tail docking and tooth clipping of piglets may be carried out only when there is evidence, on the farm, that injuries to sows' teats or to other piglets have occurred or are likely to occur as a result of not carrying 197W out these procedures. Where tooth clipping appears necessary, this must be carried out within seven days of birth.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many visits his officials have made to pig farms since 10 August 1994 to ensure compliance with paragraph 3 of part iv of schedule 3 to the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994. [1017]
§ Mrs. BrowningSince 1 July 1994, 1,204 welfare inspections of pig farms in Great Britain have been made by the State Veterinary Service.
In the course of these inspections, an assessment of compliance with all the requirements of schedule 3 to the Welfare of Livestock Regulations will be made. This will include, where appropriate, compliance with part IV of that schedule which relates specifically to piglets.