To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will propose to the Council of Agriculture Ministers the adoption of the European Commission's proposals to strengthen Council Directive 93/119EC by laying down legally binding minimum stunning currents and requiring the severing of both carotid arteries; and if he will make a statement. [30743]

My right hon. Friend would certainly wish to give priority to advancing negotiations on these matters in the Council of Ministers. However, the European Commission has yet to submit its proposals to the Council. We are continuing to press the Commission to bring forward its overdue proposals on welfare at slaughter.