BROILER CHICKENS AND HUMAN HEALTH

Early day motion 348, tabled 2 February 2000 by Ann Clwyd (Labour). Signed by 123 members.

That this House notes that there is no specific detailed legislation to protect the hundreds of millions of broiler chickens reared every year in the UK; is dismayed that millions of these birds are reared in severely cramped conditions, 30-40,000 at a time in windowless sheds; is further dismayed that such conditions, together with the use of growth-promoting antibiotics and rich diets, can cause severe and crippling health problems and injuries for millions of chickens; is concerned that intensive farming and the cramming together of broiler chickens can create the conditons in which infections flourish; notes that recent reports and surveys suggest that a significant number of broiler chickens are infected with salmonella or campylobacter, the main sources of food poisoning in humans; is alarmed about the potential threat this poses to human health; calls upon Her Majesty's Government to do all it can to end the pain and suffering of broiler chickens and to safeguard human health; and, believes that, by doing so, Her Majesty's Government will both maintain consumer confidence in poultry products and ensure the economic future of the poultry industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 102, Labour/Co-operative 9, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UKUP 1.