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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of free range egg production.

Over the years, the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC), has provided Government with advice on all laying hen production systems, including free range systems. FAWC recognises that the key to ensuring the health and welfare of farm animals in different production systems is stockmanship and the correct application of husbandry standards.

As part of a programme of reforms to safeguard and enhance the welfare of animals, Defra’s new statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Laying Hens and Pullets came into force in August. It provides improved and up-to-date guidance for owners and keepers on how to comply with legislation relating to all permitted production systems, including free range systems.