PROHIBITION OF BATTERY CAGES FOR EGG LAYING HENS

Early day motion 1448, tabled 23 January 2006 by Eric Martlew (Labour). Signed by 149 members.

That this House notes that the prohibition of conventional battery cages for egg-laying hens that is due to come into force in 2012 under Council Directive 1999/74 is to be reviewed during 2006; firmly believes that the prohibition should remain in place and should not be repealed or postponed; further notes that the report of the Scientific Panel for Animal Health and Welfare of the European Food Safety Authority concludes that the inability of battery hens to perform their natural behaviours poses a particularly severe threat to their welfare; and urges Her Majesty's Government to take the lead in persuading EU partners that the prohibition of conventional battery cages should neither be repealed nor postponed but should come into force in 2012 as enacted by Council Directive 1999/74.

Signatures by party: Labour 98, Liberal Democrat 35, Conservative 12, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.