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Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Thursday, 23 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2023. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Friday, 31 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Octopuses: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with animal welfare experts on the welfare implications of farmed octopus; if she will make it her policy to prohibit the import of farmed octopus products to the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Answer

The Government is considering carefully the implications of recognising in law the sentience of cephalopod molluscs, such as octopus. There are currently no plans to bring forward additional legislation in this area.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
172378
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Animal welfare Import controls Octopuses Aquaculture
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk