§ Ms Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he has taken to improve the welfare of battery hens. [58063]
§ Mr. MorleyFollowing pressure from the UK, European Commission proposals aimed at updating and improving current EU rules on the welfare of laying hens in battery cages were published in March. We initiated discussions during our presidency and will continue to work for an early phase out of the battery cage throughout Europe and improved standards in the interim.