Asked by: Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review animal welfare policy and regulations, in particular with regard to the welfare of ducks in the production of foie gras overseas that is then imported and sold within the UK.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Foie gras using force feeding gives rise to serious welfare concerns, which is why its production is banned in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The EU has already introduced controls on the production of foie gras and, therefore, as a matter of EU law, any further action must be taken at an EU level, and not individually by Member States. Additionally we have to be mindful of our obligations under the EU Treaty in relation to the free movement of goods. Ultimately, it is for the consumer to decide whether or not to purchase foie gras.
Asked by: Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
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 reallocate surplus funds from the current round of bids on the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme to additional projects designed to close physical gaps in coverage along the Cheshire Edge Zone in East Cheshire and Stockport.
Answered by George Eustice
Applications for the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme, which offers support for privately-led vaccination campaigns in the Edge Area of England (including parts of Cheshire) closed on 27 February. All applications received are being considered in line with the published criteria and decisions on successful applications will be announced in due course.
In addition, we are initiating a one-off additional skin test of all cattle herds in the Stockport area. This test will be paid for by Defra and its purpose will be to identify whether there has been any spread of the disease among the local herds and to help detect any infected herds early in order to limit the number of affected animals within these herds.
Asked by: Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to publish the recommendations of the Epidemiology Report on bovine TB on the Cheshire Edge by Sue Ridout; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by George Eustice
Detailed six monthly epidemiology reports on TB in the Edge of High Risk Area (which includes Cheshire) and also the Low Risk Area of England will be published from this summer. This positive development will give cattle keepers and their vets a fuller and more detailed picture of the TB risks in these areas.