Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the expected impact of the compulsory user of heat-treated feed on Northern Ireland egg production; whether the Northern Ireland Egg Producers Association was consulted prior to the decision to make this feed compulsory; whether the use of heat-treated feed is compulsory for egg production in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the future prospects for the Northern Ireland egg industry.
§ Mr. AncramThere is an additional cost in the use of heat-treated feed. Although some egg producers are concerned about possible adverse effects on egg quality, this has not been substantiated in the experimental work carried out by the Department of Agriculture. A significant number of egg producers in Northern Ireland are using heat-treated feed successfully.
The heat treatment requirement was introduced in 1991 following consultation with the egg and poultry industry to protect the industry against the introduction of Newcastle disease through a feed source. The Northern Ireland Egg Producers Association was not in existence at the time.
The use of heat-treated poultry feeding stuffs is not compulsory in Great Britain.
The Northern Ireland egg industry, which has a reputation for producing quality eggs, can maintain its. position on the export market and look forward with confidence to the future.