Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the proposals of the Jhatka Council for commercial Jhatka slaughter.

The Government encourages the highest standards of animal welfare at slaughter. Any Jhatka slaughter would need to comply with the requirements to protect animal welfare set out in legislation, as well as meat hygiene requirements.

Defra and Food Standards Agency officials have met with the Jhatka Council to discuss their proposals. The Council has since set out their submission in more detail. Officials are carefully considering the proposals and will keep the Council informed of progress.