Asked by: George Howarth (Labour - Knowsley)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals requiring the installation of independently-monitored CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses.
Answered by George Eustice
FSA estimate that, in GB, 94% of cattle, 96% of pig, 90% of sheep and 99% of poultry throughput now comes from premises with CCTV in use which suggests that it is not necessary to legislate for change to happen.
The Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) was commissioned by GB governments to produce an independent assessment of the benefits of CCTV in slaughter houses. The report was published in February 2015.
It concluded that CCTV can offer some real benefits but it cannot replace the need for businesses to have proper monitoring procedures in place. The FAWC report does not recommend legislation. However, the government is exploring ways to encourage take up in remaining slaughterhouses.
Asked by: George Howarth (Labour - Knowsley)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals for the installation of independently-monitored CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses in the UK.
Answered by George Eustice
An independent assessment is currently being carried out by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee. The Government is waiting for their report, which is due at the end of year. We will look at options in the light of that report.
Asked by: George Howarth (Labour - Knowsley)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will hold discussions with animal welfare groups on commissioning an independent assessment on the installation of CCTV cameras inside UK slaughterhouses to deter illegal practices.
Answered by George Eustice
An independent assessment is currently being carried out by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee. The Government is waiting for their report, which is due at the end of year. We will look at options in the light of that report.