HC Deb 11 April 1984 vol 58 cc375-6
10. Mrs. McCurley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the risk to animal health in Scotland of the inclusion in imported eggs of ones which are cracked or damaged; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

Extensive veterinary experience is that with the proper safeguards, such as we have, there are no animal disease risks from eggs; cracked eggs carry no additional risk.

Mrs. McCurley

I thank my hon. Friend for his seasonable comments in reply to my question. Are there not two distinct problems? We are worried about the introduction of Newcastle disease into Scotland and one way this can happen, I am reliably informed, is through cracked eggs, of which each consignment can have a 4 per cent. allowance, which is contrary to EEC regulations. The other problem which I have come across recently is that there are no regulations governing permanent traps for pigeons in feedstores and feedshops.

Mr. Canavan

Give her an Easter egg.

Mr. MacKay

When the eggs come from countries with a history of Newcastle disease, each consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a veterinary official of the country of origin, guaranteeing freedom from the disease in the consignment. We have no evidence that suggests that Newcastle disease has any chance of coming into the counry through eggs.

Mr. Allen Adams

One cannot make omelettes without cracking eggs.

Mr. Foulkes

Cheep, cheep.

Mr. Adams

Does the Minister agree that it is ludicrous for one of his hon. Friends to ask a question about cracked eggs when in the Renfrewshire area that she represents there are pockets of 60 per cent. unemployment and an average of——

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is a good try, but it is not on.