Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 February 2012.

Agriculture: Eggs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 16 January (WA 111–2), whether tests on eggs imported from the European Union with a producer code 3 mark indicating production by hens in enriched cages have revealed any batches produced by hens in conventional cages and marked with an incorrect code in breach of marketing rules; and what action they expect the contacted competent authority in the member state of origin to take if that state has already failed to implement the welfare of laying hens directive.

Answer: To date, Defra has not found any class A eggs from production sites still using conventional cages entering the UK market. Batches which have been examined, using ultra violet light analysis, have so far shown marks which are consistent with legal enriched cage production. If we suspected that imported eggs being marketed as class A were from a conventional cage, we would contact the relevant competent authority for confirmation of whether the eggs were compliant or not. The UK's enforcement strategy is set out in the written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2011.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15609; 735 c337WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Eggs
Monday, 16 January 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Agriculture: Eggs
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Animal welfare EU countries EU law Eggs Imports Poultry
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk