Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 February 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 1 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, What proportion of eggs are produced by free range hens; and what steps the Government is taking to promote higher welfare standards for chickens kept to produce eggs. - Including figures. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Loughton: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of eggs are produced by free range hens; and what steps the Government are taking to promote higher welfare standards for chickens kept to produce eggs. [146803] Mr. Morley: Some 17 per cent. of egg production in the UK comes from free range systems. Regulations are currently being drafted to implement EU Directive 99/74/EC which sets down improved welfare standards for laying hens in all production systems.

Secondary information