13.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to introduce regulations under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act governing the level of iron in calf-foods and prohibiting the use of blinkers and the practice of beak-trimming on domestic fowls.
We propose to introduce the iron regulation when the necessary scientific inquiries have been completed. We have no proposals for prohibiting blinkers or beak trimming.
As the recent report of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee said that, from the ethical standpoint, regulations regarding both beak trimming and spectacles were very important, will my hon. Friend reconsider his decision?
The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee advised the phasing out of blinkers. Their use is declining, and the State Veterinary Service survey states that no pain or distress occurs if they are properly applied. Beak trimming causes little trouble to birds. The method used is covered by regulations, and again the State Veterinary Service found no pain or distress.