§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to support the United Kingdom egg industry in the trade negotiations between the European Union and the Mercosur countries. [HL3565]
§ Lord Whitty:We have already made clear to the Commission our concerns regarding the inclusion of eggs and egg products on the list of goods from which tariffs will be removed in the EU's market access offer to Mercosur.
The EU's offer, which has now been submitted, is an ambitious one, covering a wide range of products. However it is conditional and the Commission has suggested that it could be scaled back if we do not get a satisfactory response from Mercosur. In such circumstances there may be an opportunity to take account of these concerns.
I have asked my officials to keep the British Egg Industry Council posted on developments.