HC Deb 04 July 1974 vol 876 cc588-9
14. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy with regard to the import of eggs from France.

Mr. Buchan

Imports of eggs for human consumption from France as from other sources must conform to the EEC egg marketing regulations. We are not satisfied that there are grounds for applying any further controls to such imports.

Mr. Hastings

Will the Minister say something about the alleged import of arsenicals in feed to France, which I understand is against the regulations, and the subsequent export of poultry from there to this country? If that is happening, may it not produce unfair competition for our own poultry farmers? If the hon. Gentleman does not know the answer, will he please look into the matter? I hope that he will say something now.

Mr. Buchan

We are discussing this kind of problem with the EEC, particularly as to whether we can secure amendments to the EEC rules in relation to additives in feed, which would solve some of these problems.

Mr. Hardy

Is it not the case that French poultry is commonly fed feed to which antibiotics are added—a practice that is not allowed by my hon. Friend's Ministry? Does not that justify the Ministry's suggesting to the French that there had better be a good deal of common sense in France as well as in this country?

Mr. Buchan

There is a point here in which common sense must be involved. My hon. Friend knows the difficulties. We have taken a decision that we shall negotiate from within the EEC. It is at that point that the pressure must be exerted. I hope also that we can secure co-operation from other countries in the meantime, which will solve some of the difficulties.