Central Scotland Liberal Democrats
Tough action needed on illegal hen cages - Lyon
December 15, 2010 10:06 AM
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has secured a debate in the European Parliament this week to push for tough action against Member States and their egg producers who fail to phase out battery cages before the legal deadline set by the European Commission of 1st January 2012.
In a resolution drafted by Mr Lyon, MEPs call on the Commission to stick by its deadline and strongly oppose any attempt by Member States to extend the deadline beyond the beginning of 2012.
It also calls for Member States, who have complied with the legislation, to be able to ban imports from other Member States who are producing eggs illegally.
Commenting, Mr Lyon said:
"It is scandalous that by the beginning of 2012 83million eggs, nearly one third of total EU production, will still be produced illegally in battery cages.
"European producers have had 10 years to make the transition to the new standards but it is quite clear that many countries are ignoring the deadline.
"In Scotland, producers have invested millions to comply with the legislation and therefore it is vital that the Commission take tough and robust action against those countries and their producers who fail to get rid of battery cages by the deadline.
"In addition, Member States must be allowed to ban eggs from countries who are failing to comply to stop cheap, illegally produced eggs from undercutting producers who have upgraded their systems
"The Commission should name and shame those who are not compliant by deadline and take infraction proceedings against the countries that are ignoring the legislation.
"We cannot just stand by and allow our egg producers to be put out of business by those who choose to flout the law."