Speaking at the National Farmers Union Conference in Birmingham, the agriculture secretary Caroline Spelman said that the government has held discussions with the European Commission to ensure that strong measures are in place to prevent eggs and egg product being imported into the UK from countries that have not carried out improvements to layer hen farming standards.

Mrs Spelman said that it is recognised that farmers in the UK had carried out improvements on their farms some time ago in order to meet the new standards.

However, several countries still have to ensure farms are improved.

"It is a problem in the making," said Mrs Spelman.

"And we want a level playing field."

She said that in meetings in Europe, the UK has told the Health and Consumer Services commissioner, John Dalli that the Commission must not relax the pressure on those countries that have still to meet the improved standards.

She said that the UK has sought assurances that those who do not come up to standard will not be able to sell their products on the single market and will not be allowed to export to the UK.