§ 27. Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of eggs are produced
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Table 2: Estimated CAP support1 to UK agriculture by sector, 1997–98 £ million Cereals Sugar beet Fruit and vegetables Oilseeds Proteins Linseed Set aside and AAPS simplified Arable Total of which price support Price support Price support Direct aid Direct aid Direct aid Direct aid England2 905 230 140 145 140 70 35 115 Wales 10 5 0 1 1 0 0 5 Scotland 138 42 0 13 23 1 0 21 Northern Ireland 7 4 0 3 0 0 0 6 United Kingdom 1,060 281 140 160 165 70 35 145 Percentage price support 26 — — — — — — — Value of output, 1997 2,913 — 300 1,153 406 129 51 — Percentage of 1997 UK output 36 — 47 14 41 53 67 — by free range hens; and what steps the Government are taking to promote higher welfare standards for chickens kept to produce eggs. [146803]
§ Mr. MorleySome 17 per cent. of egg production in the UK comes from free range systems.
Regulations are currently being drafted to implement EU Directive 99/74/EC which sets down improved welfare standards for laying hens in all production systems.