Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 March 2012.

Agriculture: Eggs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 28 February (WA 337), what is the purpose of contacting the relevant competent national authority for confirmation of whether imported eggs being marketed as class A are from a conventional cage if that member state is known not to be compliant with the European Union welfare of laying hens directive, and whether egg imports from non-European Union countries are subject to a similar ultra-violet light analysis.

Answer: The position in other EU member states is constantly changing as egg producers move out of using conventional cages. Although there are a number of member states who have not yet achieved full compliance, some of their producers have moved over to more welfare friendly systems of production. Therefore, contacting the competent national authority is necessary to confirm the production system of a particular producer if the origin of the eggs is suspected to have come from conventional cages. Ultra-violet analysis is not being used on eggs from non-EU countries.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16386; 736 c165WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Eggs
Tuesday, 28 February 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