Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Monday, 26 March 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), why the breach by other European Union member countries of the European Union welfare of laying hens directive ban on battery cages (1999/74/EC) is not a permissible relevant animal health exception allowing quantitative restrictions on imports between member states that constitute non-arbitrary discrimination; and whether they will test the matter by banning egg imports from non-compliant producers in other European Union countries.

Answer: The Treaty on the Functioning of the EU prohibits quantitative restrictions on imports between member states and all measures that have a similar effect. There are limited exceptions to that general rule, including where they are justified on animal health or human health grounds. The Treaty on the Functioning of the EU does not provide an exception for animal welfare grounds. The UK Government do not believe that a ban on egg imports from non-compliant producers in other European Union countries complies with the law and we do not therefore consider that it is appropriate to impose such a ban.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16500; 736 c195-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Eggs
Monday, 16 January 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Animal welfare EU countries EU law Eggs Import controls Poultry
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk