A CONSULTATION has been launched on proposals to provide only stunned halal meat to schools.

Lancashire County Council currently supplies non-stunned halal meat in 27 schools catering for up to 12,000 students choosing from either non-halal or halal menus.

School governing bodies have the option to provide either stunned or non-stunned halal in their school meals.

When the contract to provide non-stunned halal meat came due for renewal last year, the council agreed a resolution not to provide meat, other than poultry, to county council establishments unless animals are stunned before they are slaughtered.

This resolution however has not been implemented and a 4-week consultation is now being held to inform the council's future policy.

The online consultation is available for anyone to complete, and asks for views on the council's proposal to provide only stunned halal meat to schools rather than the currently policy, to provide both stunned and un-stunned halal meat.

County Cllr Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "We know people have strong views on this issue and would encourage them to help shape future policy by taking part in this consultation."

The consultation is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay