§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will change the labelling requirements for eggs to ensure that imported eggs are not labelled as British; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerNo such change is necessary. It is already an offence under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations to label eggs as British when they are not.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will carry out a survey of eggs sold in the United Kingdom to ascertain their quality and freshness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerMy egg marketing inspectorate enforces the quality standards laid down in the EC Egg Marketing Regulations in England and Wales at packer and wholesale level. The Agriculture Departments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have similar responsibilities: Trading standards departments of local authorities are responsible for retail sales.
Dr. David ClarkeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures to ensure that batches of eggs which have been imported are not released for distribution until the results of salmonella testing are known; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerAs was made clear to the hon. Gentleman on 8 March 1990, at column987, and 27 July, at column 561, such a step would be a clear breach of European Community law.