Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the import of any poultry, eggs or other poultry by-products that were produced using any type of cage system for the keeping of poultry.

This Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare.

Imports into the UK must comply with UK’s existing import requirements. Products produced to different environmental and animal welfare standards can be placed on the UK market if they comply with these requirements. This has always been the case and includes products from the EU and other longstanding trading partners.

This Government will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, this Government will be prepared to use the full range of powers at its disposal to protect the UK’s most sensitive sectors.