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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the gas supply for the slaughter of flocks affected by avian flu.

CO2 is used for the humane culling of birds affected by the unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza which is currently affecting the UK. We are not aware of any current shortages in supplies.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) which is responsible for ensuring the culling of birds affected by AI has recently commissioned an increase in their contingency supplies to further enhance their resilience. APHA's contractors have also acted to guarantee weekly quotas of bulk gas to support their operations. Defra and APHA will continue to monitor the availability of CO2.