To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had within the EU on the provision of financial support to the poultry industry (a) in the UK and (b) other member states. (79587)

[holding answer 26 June 2006]: A number of recent discussions involving the Commission and member states took place, between 7 April 2006 and 21 June 2006. These culminated in the adoption of an amendment to Article 14 of Council Regulations 2777/75 and 2771/75 on the Common Organisation of the Market in Eggs and Poultrymeat, respectively.

The amendment provides legal powers to make special support measures available to member states in the event of significant evaporation of consumer confidence in poultry products as a direct result of avian influenza, causing the market to collapse.