§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the enriched cages to be permitted in England under the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC will need to provide more than 250 cubic centimetres of which shall be usable. [45316]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 26 March 2002]: Council Directive 99/74/EC lays down minimum requirements for enriched cages, including cage area per hen and usable area. It is intended that the Directive will be implemented in England without being added to in any way. If further changes are proposed, there will be a full public consultation.