Vol. 501 No. 2
243 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will support the view of prohibiting from 2009 the use of battery cages for laying hens when the proposed new directive on the welfare of egg-laying hens is decided upon by the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in view of the EU Parliament's vote in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5547/99]
Discussions are in progress at EU levels in relation to a proposal for a new Council directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing. I am aware that, in considering this proposal, the European Parliament at its sitting of 28 January 1999 adopted a text which incorporates a prohibition on the use of battery cages for laying hens from 1 January 2009. This most recent development will be taken into account in discussions at both Council and working party levels.
While I wish to see the highest possible welfare standards being introduced for laying hens, account must also be taken of the legitimate economic concerns of the producer and the consequences of measures taken. It would, for instance, be unfortunate if arrangements adopted within the EU were to result in the mass importation, into this country and other member states, of cheap battery-produced eggs from third countries which may have scant or no provisions on hen welfare.
