§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to outlaw the de-beaking of poultry for non-veterinary reasons; and if he will make a statement. [13687]
§ Mr. MorleyThe current welfare codes make it clear that beak trimming of poultry should be carried out only where necessary to avoid a worse welfare problem such as might be caused by outbreaks of cannibalism in laying hens. We are addressing through our research programme the need to develop commercial systems which can reliably meet the welfare needs of poultry without recourse to this procedure.
The results of these studies will be taken into account in any revisions to the welfare codes and when reviewing the need for further legislative controls.