HC Deb 31 July 1975 vol 896 cc2039-40
11. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the operation of the measures adopted by the EEC Commission on 7th July in respect of the egg industry.

41. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement about imports of foreign eggs, particularly from France.

46. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present position of the United Kingdom poultry industry.

Mr. Bishop

Since the measures authorised by the European Commission to deal with the situation in our egg market came into effect on 7th July, egg packing stations have increased the prices they pay to producers by an average of over 5p a dozen. Imports are running at a low level. We shall continue to watch developments in the market closely.

Mr. Miller

Does the Minister accept that the reduction in imports is due to the strengthening of the market on the Continent? Will he therefore keep a careful watch on this trend, bearing in mind the fact that despite the improvement which he mentioned, the return to producers is still 5p below the cost of production?

Mr. Bishop

The situation has improved, partly as a result of the steps taken by my right hon. Friend in Brussels. The changes in the export restitutions means that there is now more encouragement to send eggs from Europe in other directions rather than to the United Kingdom, and especially to third countries. All those factors, combined with the steps we have taken to allow the export of eggs to France, are helping the market.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Is the Minister aware of the continuing concern in the poultry industry? Will he say how many eggs have been exported to France? Have the difficulties encountered with arsenical compounds in feeding stuffs been overcome?

Mr. Bishop

My right hon. Friend and I met the leaders of the British Poultry Federation yesterday. I held a meeting with other representatives of the industry and the NFU in my constituency on Saturday.

We have reached agreement with the French to allow the import of British eggs into France as we have taken steps to ensure that arsenical compounds are not used as feed additives.

Mr. Hardy

Many hon. Members are relieved at the achievement of the Minister of Agriculture. As this problem has existed for many years, it is strange that the Opposition have only recently taken an interest in it, despite the fact that the previous administration refused to take any action.

Mr. Bishop

I appreciate those comments. Despite the demands made as a result of the economic situation, my right hon. Friend pursued this matter vigorously in Brussels. Steps are now being taken within the Community, and by its egg-producing member States, to ensure greater stability of egg production in future.

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