§ Mr. ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the advantages of introducing a quota system for pig herds. [23843]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 January 1998]: No. I have no intentions of introducing a quota system for pig herds because it would not be in the interests of the pigmeat sector to do so.
§ Mr. ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlay his Department's decision to impose a stall and tether ban on the pig industry; and what account was taken of practices in other European Union countries in formulating this policy. [23845]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 January 1998]: That the use of close confinement systems for pigs presents welfare problems has been recognised for a number of years. In 1991, following overwhelming parliamentary 491W support for a Private Member's Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness (Sir R. Body), the then Government made Regulations banning these systems from 1 Janaury 1999. It is our intention to seek at least equivalent standards in the forthcoming review of the EU Directive on pig welfare.
§ Mr. ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has evaluated into injuries arising from the loose housing of pigs. [23844]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 January 1998]: The Department funds a substantial programme of research and development on pig welfare. This covers a wide range of issues including the avoidance of aggression, and resultant injuries, in various dry sow group housing systems.