To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement its Environment and Rural Affairs Department will have in the introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC and whether it intends to make proposals for the introduction of the Laying Hens Welfare Code which go beyond those stated in the 1999 Directive.

Animal welfare is a devolved issue. Draft Scottish regulations to implement Directive 99/74/EC on the Welfare of Laying Hens will be laid before the Parliament in the next few days. Whilst we are obliged to implement EU Directives in full, the regulations do not go beyond the requirements of the directive.

A revised Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Laying Hens will also be put before the Parliament. This advisory code is intended to encourage all these who care for laying hens to adopt the highest standards of husbandry.