§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the policy his Department will adopt on the European Commission proposals on battery cages; and how he will ensure that third country imports comply with EU regulations. [57746]
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§ Mr. MorleyOur policy is to negotiate for an early phase out of the battery cage, improved standards in the interim and appropriate EU wide standards for non-cage systems. We recognise that the implications of any different standards applying in the case of third country imports have to be taken into account and have already taken steps to ensure that these are considered: an obligation has been placed on the European Commission to produce a report on this aspect by 30 June 1999.