§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many visits by MAFF personnel have been undertaken to intensive egg production units since 1 May 1997; and what percentage of these have been unannounced. [63643]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 15 December 1998]: Visits by Ministry personnel to intensive egg production units, as distinct from packing stations, are basically those undertaken by members of the State Veterinary Service in relation to animal welfare. 272 welfare visits have been undertaken since 1 May 1997. Of these, 44 per cent. were undertaken in response to complaints or other indications that welfare may be poor, and in many cases were unannounced.