§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what account his Committee takes of animal welfare issues in determining purchasing policy. [122917]
§ Mr. Dennis TurnerPurchasing policy is essentially a matter for the Refreshment Department. However, I am advised by the Director of Catering Services that the Department's purchasing guidelines include the following provisions related to animal welfare:
- 1. fresh meats must be sourced from livestock raised under an accredited "farm assurance scheme". Such schemes ensure that all stock is reared according to good animal husbandry and welfare practices. The Department periodically tests the claims of suppliers by requiring them to provide documentary evidence tracing the cut of meat delivered back to source and, where possible, to the animal;
- 2. fresh meat suppliers must meet standards set by the Meat and Livestock Commission, who provide both detailed and general advice to the Department about animal welfare issues in the meat industry;
- 3. veal must be from calves raised in group housing systems, not crate systems;
453W - 4. pigmeat supplied to the Department must be from pigs raised in loose-housed systems, not stall and tether systems; and
- 5. eggs must be from free-range flocks. The supplier is licensed under the RSPCA's Freedom Food Scheme.
The Refreshment Department consults widely with other organisations to ensure that its purchasing guidelines are regularly and authoritatively reviewed. In addition to working closely with the Meat and Livestock Commission, the Department is a member of the Soil Association, and periodically seeks advice from bodies such as the Freedom Food Association, Compassion in World Farming and the NFU.