Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 July 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 1 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement about the Government's policy on the stamping of ungraded eggs (a) at the farm gate and (b) at local public markets.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the Government's policy on the stamping of ungraded eggs (a) at the farm gate and (b) at local public markets. [181284] Alun Michael: Under the Registration of Laying Flocks Order and the Egg Marketing Regulations, all producers must register in order to obtain an identifying code. Currently small producers with less than 350 birds are exempt from this requirement, provided that the eggs are ungraded and sold direct to the final consumer. However, because of enforcement difficulties in other member states, it was agreed in November 2003 that part of the derogation from marking for ungraded eggs be removed. From 1 July 2005 farmers selling eggs from their own farms at local public markets will no longer be exempt from the requirement to mark their eggs, irrespective of the number of laying hens kept. Some producers with fewer than 350 laying hens will therefore have to register for the first time, in order to obtain a distinguishing number. This measure had the support of the majority of other member states. Sales in farm shops and door to door do remain exempt.

Secondary information