§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking with regard to the evidence presented to his Department on 3 November 1997 regarding the conditions of animals at a mink farm in Hampshire. [22519]
§ Mr. MorleyThe information supplied on 3 November 1997 has been followed up as a matter of urgency. Our investigations are continuing.
§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received over(a) escaped mink and (b) animal welfare in relation to the mink farm licensed in Hampshire. [22521]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has received two letters making representations about escaped mink in relation to the mink farm licensed in Hampshire and 11 concerning animal welfare at the same premises.
§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at how many mink farms the killing of mink was witnessed by his officials over the last three months; and what methods were used in the killing. [22520]
§ Mr. MorleyVeterinary Officers of the State Veterinary Service have witnessed the killing of mink on 15 of the 16 mink farms currently licensed in the last three months. Ten farms used carbon monoxide gas, four used carbon dioxide gas and one, barbiturate injection. The sixteenth farm had no stock to kill during this period.