HC Deb 06 March 1997 vol 291 c743W
19. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve the welfare of egg-laying hens kept in battery cages. [17654]

Mrs. Browning

We have pressed the European Commission to complete the overdue review of the EU directive. The scientific veterinary committee's updated report was published in October last year. The Commission has said that its proposals for revised Community standards will soon follow.