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, 23 April 2012.

Agriculture: Eggs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 26 March (WA 195), why the latest European Union egg marketing regulations did not provide a prohibition on the marketing of class B eggs or products derived from such eggs not produced in a compliant system; whether class B eggs and products were formerly exempt from any claim as to production compliance with welfare standards; why they approved regulations without class B prohibition; and when they did so.

Answer: European Union (EU) rules on the marketing standards for eggs were last updated in 2007. This was largely an exercise of consolidation aimed at bringing together earlier regulations and amendments in one place without altering the basic provisions. On this basis, the UK supported the introduction of the rules which are directly applicable in all member states. The rules on the marketing standards for eggs deal with issues such as the quality characteristics for class A and B eggs and how such eggs should be marketed. The rules are not designed to enforce welfare standards for laying hens nor do they set marketing requirements for egg products. UK Ministers and officials have met with the Commission on a regular basis over the past year to encourage a robust approach to enforcement of new minimum standards for the protection of laying hens within the legal framework that is available. We have also suggested using the EU rules on the marketing standards for eggs to help bring about compliance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16744; 736 c288WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Eggs
Monday, 26 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Animal welfare EU law Eggs Poultry Marketing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk