HC Deb 17 July 1980 vol 988 cc710-1W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Egg Packers Association about the dumping in Great Britain of eggs from other European Economic Community countries that are not subject to standards of labelling and packing that conform to United Kingdom standards.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The association, the National Farmers Union and the British Poultry Federation, have made representations about recent trends in production in the United Kingdom and other member States and the effect of imports on the United Kingdom industry.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any evidence that the number of new chicks being bred and placed in EEC countries are so large as to ensure an increase in egg production excessive to the needs of the Community.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The Community is rather more than self-sufficient in eggs. Recent increases in chick placings in the Community as a whole are expected to increase Community supplies over coming months.