LIB DEMS URGE TORBAY COUNCIL TO BE A GOOD EGG

12.07.31pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Liberal Democrat Councillors Steve Darling and Ian Doggett have tabled a motion for the Council meeting tonight (Wednesday), which calls on Torbay Council to only use cage-free eggs in any food provided at its schools and at council offices.

The motion says:

"Torbay Council recognises the growing public concern about the use of battery eggs, and notes that the Government has already voted in the EU for an end to the battery system, which will come into force from 2012;

This Council further notes that a number of organisations, such as Hampshire County Council, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, London's City Hall, Microsoft, Google, Sky, McDonalds, Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, JD Weatherspoon, Starbucks, Pret A Manger and the Co-operative have already stopped using eggs from battery hens in response to public pressure.

The Council recognises its duty to the Council taxpayer to achieve the best possible prices for services. However, this council believes that the difference in price would be acceptable to the residents of Torbay in the light of the overwhelming animal welfare arguments (which have already been accepted by the government), and in the light of the growing public campaign to move to the use of cage free eggs.

By using cage free eggs, Torbay Council will also be eligible to win a Compassion in World Farming Good Egg Award.

Council Officers to investigate how this Council can ensure that only cage free eggs be purchased from suppliers and used in any catering provided at council offices and schools, and how this can be reflected in the Council's procurement policies. Council Officers to bring the results of their investigations to a meeting of the Cabinet within 3 months."

Councillor Steve Darling said, "My fellow Watcombe Ward Councillor Roger Stringer and myself have been contacted by local residents to see if it was possible for the Council to only use cage free eggs in any catering that the Council provided. After doing some research, I was pleased to see how many organisations in both the private and public sector who have followed public opinion and now only use cage free eggs. The Liberal Democrats very much hope that Torbay Council follow suit."

Councillor Ian Doggett said, " The law will be changing in 2012, and from that date it will no longer be possible to use battery eggs. It will be good to see Torbay Council leading by example and investigating ways of only using cage free eggs before that date."