To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department intends to introduce legislative protections for animals at the time of killing that ensures farmed fish are spared avoidable pain, distress or suffering during their killing and related operations.

I am aware that Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have been considering a number of improvements that could be made to the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing.

In addition, the Animal Welfare Committee, which advises my Department and other UK administrations on welfare at the time of killing is due to provide an update on their opinion on the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing. My Department will consider the findings from that report as well as any Defra proposals to determine if legislative changes are required in Northern Ireland.