14. We consider that the following, which we are informed has been adopted
by the Council, raises questions of political importance, but make no recommendation for its further
consideration:--
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
(17757)
12202/96
COM(96)599 |
Amended proposal for a Council Directive concerning the protection of
calves. |
| Legal base: |
Article 43; qualified majority voting. |
Background
14.1 On 6 March 1996 we recommended the Commission Communication on the welfare of
calves and its accompanying proposal for a Council Directive for the protection of calves for
debate[27]. This debate took place in European Standing
Committee A on Wednesday 8 May 1996. Contrary to expectations, the Council of Agriculture Ministers
meeting on 16-17 December reached agreement on the Directive, with the addition of two amendments
proposed by the European Parliament at its September Plenary. These amendments call on Member
States to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, and to ensure that individual pens
for calves have perforated sides which allow for direct visual and tactile contact between the
calves.
The Government's view
14.2 It has been an objective of the Government to ensure improved welfare for calves
in intensive systems and in her letter of 13 January the Parliamentary Secretary (Commons) at the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mrs Browning welcomes the agreement reached.
Conclusion
14.3 It is satisfactory that improvements will be made in the arrangements for
calves in intensive systems throughout the Community. We agree with the Parliamentary Secretary's
view that it was sensible not to miss the opportunity of reaching agreement on this key subject.
The final outcome does not differ greatly from the proposal debated in May and we are therefore
clearing the document.
27.(16994) 13099/95; see HC 51-xii (1995-96), paragraph 1 (6 March 1996). Back
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