§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on the phasing out of farrowing crates for sows; and if she will make a statement. [19764]
§ Mr. MorleyWe have, for a number of years, funded research directly or indirectly related to the welfare of the sow and her piglets, from farrowing to weaning. A key issue which has emerged from this research is that changes in farrowing systems to improve sow welfare can frequently have an adverse effect on the welfare of the piglets. As a result, we are not yet able unreservedly to recommend free-farrowing systems for widespread commercial adoption. Our research, and that of others, continues to seek a solution to this problem. Our aim is to reach a position where it is possible to avoid the close-confinement of all sows.