Eggs

HC Deb 06 February 1975 vol 885 cc594-5W

Mr. Brittan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any evidence of improper overlabelling of cartons of eggs imported from France in the last three months.

Mr. Bishop

A small proportion, about 5 per cent., of the cases of eggs imported from France in the three months ending 31st January 1975 and inspected under the marketing standards regulations were regraded. The cases were relabelled to show the revised quality or weight grading, and the decision to regrade was reported to the French authorities. In all cases the other requirements of the regulations were found to be fully complied with.

Mr. Brittan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of eggs imported from France in the last three months has been inspected by his Department.

Mr. Bishop

Both home-produced and imported eggs are inspected on a sample basis to ensure compliance with the EEC regulations concerning marketing standards for eggs. Approximately 10 per cent. of the eggs imported from France in the three months ending 31st January 1975 were subjected to these checks.