§ 56. Mr. Torneyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press the EEC for the adoption of the British system of grading eggs in five weights rather than the seven grades of the EEC.
§ Mr. BishopWhen the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community at the beginning of 1973 it was agreed that we would adopt the Community's seven weight grade system for eggs. The Treaty of Accession allowed a derogation for five years to give the United Kingdom industry time to adapt to the change. I know that the question of the relative merits of 5 and 7 grade systems have been widely discussed in United Kingdom trade and producer circles and have also been the subject of inter-industry discussions within the EEC. We are keeping in close touch with developments.
§ Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of rising costs, he will set the proposed levy on egg producers at no more than £2 per 100 chicks.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he is giving to the representations he has received to reduce the statutory levy on egg producers to £2 per 100 chicks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. MacGregor) on 27th January.—[Vol. 924, c.720.]