§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if healthy pigs can be moved to abattoirs for killing(a) under the Welfare Destruction Scheme and (b) for normal food purposes; and if he will make a statement. [155621]
§ Ms Quin [holding answer 26 March 2001]Pigs and other livestock experiencing serious, insurmountable welfare problems due to foot and mouth disease control measures would be eligible for the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme (LWDS). Livestock entered into LWDS would normally be slaughtered in specially designated abattoirs but, where this is not possible they would be killed on-farm. Through the Slaughter Under Licence Scheme, around 80 per cent. of typical slaughter levels of pigs for normal food purposes are currently being achieved.