§ Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he is satisfied that there is free and fair competition in the eggs sector within the European Economic Community;
(2) if he is satisfied with the profitability of the United Kingdom egg industry;
(3) if he will take action to limit imports of eggs from France and Holland into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe common agricultural policy provides for free trade in eggs within the European Community and import restrictions, unless justified on animal health or public health grounds, would be illegal under Community law. The level of profitability does, of course, vary from one enterprise to another. But I am aware of the concern within the industry over its future prospects and I am, of course, anxious to ensure that the United Kingdom egg industry can compete on reasonable terms with the industries in other member States.