Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what plans he has to commission an independent survey of broiler lameness; how many unannounced visits were made by the State Veterinary Service to broiler units since he received the letter, dated 23rd January, sent to him by the Chairman of FAWC; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to commission an independent survey of broiler lameness; how many unannounced visits were made by the state veterinary service to broiler units since he received the letter, dated 23 January, sent to him by the chairman of FAWC; and if he will make a statement. [160896] Mr. Morley: We are currently considering, together with FAWC and the industry, the best way to take forward the issues they have identified on broiler chicken leg health, including the need for an independent survey. Completion of this work has been disrupted by activity on foot and mouth disease. The state veterinary service's programme of animal welfare farm inspections has been similarly disrupted.

Secondary information