§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research into broiler chicken welfare she has(a) commissioned and (b) received, with particular reference to issues of lameness in broiler chickens kept at stocking densities above 30 kilograms per square metre. [154774]
§ Mr. BradshawDefra has commissioned research projects into a number of areas. This includes projects on the effect of stocking density and the causes and management of leg health problems. These issues are highly complex and there are many factors influencing the welfare conditions of meat chickens. The Department continues to review the results of research and assess proposals that have been received. Details of the Department's research programme are published on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government will support the recommendations of the report from the EU Scientific Committee for Animal Health and Animal Welfare on chicken welfare. [154775]
§ Mr. BradshawThe report of the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare is the first step in enabling the Commission to produce proposals on specific welfare standards for meat chickens. The UK will take account128W of the recommendations alongside other evidence during the negotiations on the proposals. The Commission expects to issue proposals later this year.