Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 April 2003. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 April 2003 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, what her policy is on the practice of debeaking in the poultry industry; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the practice of debeaking in the poultry industry; and if she will make a statement. [106531] Margaret Beckett: Generally beak trimming should only be carried out as a last resort when it is clear that more suffering would be caused in the flock if it were not done. There are, however, specific requirements for laying hens in Council Directive 99/74/EC. The Directive prohibits all mutilations, but permits member states to allow the beak trimming of birds that are less than 10 days old in order to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. We intend to take up this authorisation only until 31 December 2010, and have met interested parties, including the egg industry and breeders, to agree an action plan to achieve this aim.

Secondary information