The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive: Implications for the egg industry. Vol 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. Vol 2: Additional written evidence

The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive (Council Directive 1999/74/EC), which applies to businesses with over 350 laying hens, provides that conventional cage systems must not be used after 1 January 2012. UK egg producers have spent around £400 million to improve conditions for laying hens and, according to this report, will be left at a competitive disadvantage if cheaper, illegal and non-compliant shell eggs and egg products can be imported to the UK from other European countries.

• Primary Source

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Library: Standard Notes: SN/SC/1367 http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN01367

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: 9th Report (2010-12)HC 830-I http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmenvfru/830/830.pdf

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: 9th Report (2010-12)HC 830-II http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmenvfru/830/830vw.pdf

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: 8th Special Report (2010-12)HC 1644 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmenvfru/1664/1664.pdf

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