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<p>The issue of cages for farmed animals is one in which the government is taking
a close interest. We have already banned cages or close confinement systems where
there is clear scientific evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and
welfare. We banned the keeping of calves in veal crates in 1990, sixteen years before
the rest of the EU. We banned the keeping of sows in close confinement stalls in the
UK in 1999, and conventional battery cages for laying hens in 2012. I am pleased that
the UK has by far the largest free range laying hen sector of any EU country, with
over 50% of our hens kept in free range systems.</p><p> </p><p>The government is actively
looking into the use of cages and we will be considering the full range of options
that are available for future reform.</p>
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