ENRICHED CAGES FOR EGG-LAYING HENS

Early day motion 792A1, tabled 4 March 2002 by Bill Wiggin (Conservative). Signed by 2 members.

leave out from 'House' to end and insert 'welcomes the fact that the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive, which prohibits the use of conventional battery cages from 2012, will improve the welfare of laying hens by permitting the use of 'enriched cages' which provide hens with two-thirds more floor space than is currently the minimum legal requirement, provide nesting opportunities for birds, provide litter which encourage hens to perform such natural behaviours associated with foraging, and which provide for exercise through perching; draws attention to the most recent academic research as published in the World's Poultry Science Journal in December 2001 which supports the welfare advantages of this system; and urges the Government to work with British poultry farmers to continue the development of poultry husbandry which delivers high standards of welfare based on the best scientific advice as well as maintaining fair competitive conditions with poultry products imported from other countries.'.

Signatures by party: Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.