Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the welfare of factory farmed ducks with reference to (a) access to water other than drinking water and (b) the practice of de-beaking.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the welfare of factory farmed ducks with reference to (a) access to water other than drinking water and (b) the practice of de-beaking. [186027] Mr. Bradshaw: In determining the welfare requirements of farmed ducks for water, other than drinking water, a balance needs to be struck between the behavioural needs of the birds and the risks to health, hygiene, and food safety if they are given unlimited access to open water. Defra is shortly to fund a research project which will assess the extent to which different commercial systems currently in use in this country fulfil the welfare needs of farmed ducks. Part of the study aims to quantify a duck's motivation to gain access to water. Our existing Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Ducks and our consultation document on a new code, propose that the practice of de-beaking or bill trimming should be avoided and only used if veterinary advice is that the procedure is essential to prevent worse welfare problems, such as the birds injuring each other.

Secondary information