HC Deb 22 April 1998 vol 310 cc662-3W
Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage a reduction in the incidence of leg problems in broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement. [37775]

Mr. Morley

Improving the leg health of broiler chickens is an important aim of the MAFF funded animal welfare research programme. Results have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of certain feeding and lighting programmes and these are now being promoted to the industry. Good litter management is also important to leg health and is the subject of an ongoing advisory campaign carried out by ADAS on our behalf.

Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request the European Commission to instruct its Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare to prepare a report on the welfare of intensively-kept broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement. [37773]

Mr. Morley

I understand the EU Commission has already put action in hand. We will be following developments with interest.

Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to bring to an end the use of catching practices which cause injuries and stress to broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement. [37776]

Mr. Morley

The current welfare code for domestic fowl reminds farmers of the need to take care to avoid injuring birds or causing them to panic during handling and catching. Failure to observe these and other provisions of this code may be used as evidence in proceedings under Section 1 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 which makes it an offence to cause or allow livestock on agricultural land to suffer unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress.

Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the recommendation made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1992 on the treatment of broiler chickens with physical conditions which limit their ability to reach food or water; and if he will make a statement. [37778]

Mr. Morley

Failure to take appropriate action to treat broiler chickens with physical conditions which limit their ability to reach food or water would give rise to offences under existing legislation which requires that livestock on agricultural land are protected from unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress.

Mr. Etherington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that broiler breeders are given sufficient food; and if he will make a statement. [37777]

Mr. Morley

The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 (Statutory Instrument 1994/2126) already require that all livestock (including poultry) are fed a wholesome diet which is appropriate to their species and which is fed to them in sufficient quantity to maintain them in good health and to satisfy their nutritional needs. The Farm Animal Welfare Council is currently reviewing all aspects of the welfare of broiler breeders including current feeding regimes and will report later this year. I shall examine their recommendations carefully before deciding whether further action needs to be taken.