§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she intends to ban the beak trimming of birds kept in battery cages; and if she will make a statement. [49281]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 15 April 2002]: Council Directive 99/74/EC prohibits all mutilation but permits member states to authorise beak trimming provided it is carried out by qualified staff on chickens that are less than 10 days old and intended for laying. It is intended that the directive will be implemented in England without being added to in any way. We do expect beak trimming to be ended as soon as practicable and we will be discussing with the egg industry and breeders the best way to achieve this.