Tony Gregory
Ceist:161 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the phasing out of the battery cage for egg laying hens and the position he will take on this issue at the Council of Agriculture Ministers. [18334/98]
Vol. 494 No. 4
161 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the phasing out of the battery cage for egg laying hens and the position he will take on this issue at the Council of Agriculture Ministers. [18334/98]
I have certain difficulties with the draft directive currently under consideration, in particular in relation to the minimum space proposed. While supportive of any measures that will safeguard and improve animal welfare, I believe in this instance that the appropriate space necessary to meet welfare requirements and the economic implications of providing that space call for further consideration.