HC Deb 19 June 1989 vol 155 c46W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, pursuant to his reply of 17 May,Official Report, column 212–23, he is able to state whether those provisions awaiting implementation on that date have now been implemented.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Details of progress on the measure awaiting implementations at 17 May are as follows(7) Still to be implemented. (10, 11) Implemented. The Poultry Flocks (Collection and Handling of Eggs and Control of Vermin) Order 1989 came into force on 26 May. (17) To be introduced shortly.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase compensation levels for birds slaughtered due to the drop in demands for eggs after the salmonella scare.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Assistance for the culling of hens to reduce the size of the laying flock is no longer available. The closing date for applications under the slaughter of hens scheme was 5 January 1989. This was an exceptional short-term measure to assist the industry when the egg market suffered severe disruption at the end of last year. The market has now stabilised, and the Government have no plans for further aid.