Welfare of Laying Hens Directive—Implications for the egg industry

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee agreedto examine the implications of EU Council Directive 1999/74/EC: the Welfare of Laying Hens. 

The Directive prohibits the use of conventional cages (commonly referred to as ‘battery cages’) for laying hens from 1 January 2012.
The Committee considered in particular:

• The implications of the Directive for the egg production, food processing and manufacturing sector
• How the European Commission plans to ensure compliance with the Directive
• Defra support for the egg and egg products industry
   
• Welfare of Laying Hens Directive - implications for the egg industry - Publication of Report
• Further information on the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive-Implications for the egg industry inquiry including details of Report, Response and evidence