Contribution
I thank noble Lords who have taken part in this debate. I know it has not been a very long debate, but I thank noble Lords for their support, because this is an important instrument.
The noble Baroness, Lady Grender, asked whether or not animal welfare would be diluted by it. The answer is: absolutely not. Animal welfare legislation continues to apply even though the birds are being housed. Keepers are ultimately responsible for the welfare of their birds, but we have good legislation in this country to ensure high animal welfare standards. Guidance for all bird-keepers on biosecurity and preventing welfare impacts on poultry has been published by Defra and is available on the avian influenza pages on the Government’s website.
On the free-range criteria, the criteria on which designation of the “free range” special marketing term is granted are outlined in Article 11 and Annexe V of the poultry meat market standards regulations. In summary, for poultry to be regarded as “free range”, the stocking rate in the house and the age at slaughter have to follow detailed requirements. To take chickens for example, the stocking rate per square metre of floor space must not exceed 15 birds and a live weight of 25 kilograms or less, and the age of slaughter must be 56 days or later. Continuous daytime access must also be provided to open-air runs that are covered by certain amounts of vegetation—for example, 4 square metres per turkey or goose. During mandatory housing measures, access to the open-air runs only will be restricted; all the other free-range criteria will continue to apply.
The noble Baroness, Lady Grender, asked about enforcement. Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors conduct risk-based and random checks on free-range poultry producers. Local authorities also conduct checks at retail level. These inspections will ensure that only free-range poultry meat is labelled as free range during mandatory housing measures. Previously, retailers have put up clear signage to explain the conditions that are being met under the new arrangements.
Regarding consumer information and consumer confidence, we issue national, local and trade press releases to make sure that the latest information is communicated through the media. We also post the latest advice, key messages and situational updates on both the Defra and APHA social media channels. Working with different industry groups, the information is then distributed through those industry group members. In addition, you can also subscribe to APHA’s free animal disease alert service for any latest information on situations in Great Britain.
On the EU, there should not be a problem. As I mentioned in my introductory speech, the EU has confirmed that it is also intending to proceed with the removal of the 12-week derogation. Once Scotland and Wales have also come into line, because Northern Ireland is impacted by EU legislation, that should mean that we are all on the same page, which would be very helpful for trade.
The noble Lord, Lord Blencathra, asked about the avian influenza aspect and the impact on birds. I am sure he is aware that the housing measures are brought in to reduce the risk that poultry and captive birds will come into contact with wild birds, because avian influenza is often passed on through wild bird populations. It is also not just about the bird itself but the wild bird faeces as well, which can also transmit the disease. Then, even when the birds are housed there is also a risk of infection, so this must be coupled with good biosecurity.
We do not want to see birds slaughtered so we are working with producers, the NFU and others on the importance of biosecurity. Good biosecurity—disinfecting clothing and equipment after use, repairing building defects such as holes in the roof, which unfortunately is often one way that wild birds can get in, and keeping good records, and so on and so forth—is one way that producers can reduce the impact. Obviously, we do not want to slaughter birds. I think we have a better understanding of avian influenza now than we did a few years ago; it is not going to go away.
It is also worth noting that, although the vaccination of poultry and captive birds against avian influenza is not currently permitted, and currently it is unlikely to provide full protection because of the kind of strains that we have at the moment, we are still looking at this issue. We are not there yet. We know that vaccination can help reduce mortality, but we are also concerned that despite that, they could still transmit the disease to other birds. So we are looking at that. There is more work happening on the longer-term view on tackling avian influenza but currently we are not there. Coming back to consumers and trading, we also know that some of our trading partners will not accept vaccination at present.
In conclusion, I thank noble Lords for their support of the need for this instrument. As I outlined in my opening speech, the introduction of the mandatory housing measure is to protect the welfare of our poultry. Removing the derogation will support industry by reducing those financial pressures and will get a level playing field with trading partners, including the European Union, as they also move in the same direction. We have to do our part to support our poultry industry. I think I have answered all the questions, but I will check Hansard just to make sure. I beg to move.