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, further to the Government’s response to e-petition 630751 entitled Retain bans on cat, dog, seal fur imports, and extend to ban all fur imports, in which it says it has no plans currently to make further changes in this area, whether her Department is still considering responses received to the 2021 call for evidence on The Fur Market in Great Britain.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We are carefully reviewing the evidence gathered both from our Call for Evidence and from wider engagement with the fur trade and stakeholders.
We will use the evidence gathered to inform any future action on the fur trade, in line with the Government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards.
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, what representations he has received from (a) zoos, (b) aquariums and (c) safari parks on the support needed to (i) remain economically viable in the context of the effect of covid-19 restrictions and (ii) ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained.
Answered by Victoria Prentis - Attorney General
We remain committed to ensuring the sector can deliver the best possible care for its animals and have regular meetings with BIAZA, the zoo and aquarium industry body, and frequently engage with the CEOs of the largest charitable zoos. These discussions touch on many topics, including updates on the financial situation of the sector.
We have reacted to feedback from the industry and expanded the eligibility criteria of the Zoo Animals Fund so that grant payments to zoos begin when zoos reach their final 12 weeks of financial reserves, rather than six weeks and also expanded the range of costs that are eligible under the Fund so zoos can now claim costs relating to pre-planned essential maintenance and repair works as well as animal care costs. Representations were also made to extend the Fund and we have acted upon on this and extended the Fund for a second time. Applications are now open until 28 May and support will be provided until 30 June.
We are pleased to say we have received positive feedback from recipients of the Zoo Animals Fund on how the funding has enabled them to continue to provide the best care for their animals and operate safely in these challenging times. We are also working closely with the sector on their reopening guidance to ensure that zoos and aquariums are ready to open their doors to visitors, as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to engage with the sector to fully understand the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and to provide updates as situations change.
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 have discussions with animal welfare groups on commissioning an independent assessment on the effect of the installation of CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses on deterring illegal practices.
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 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.