The future of British poultry farming is in doubt, a committee of MPs has concluded.

In a report published on Wednesday the environment, food and rural affairs committee warned that "ever-improving welfare standards" are resulting in higher costs compared to foreign competitors.

Forum Response: National Farmers Union

Charles Bourns, poultry chairman at the National Farmers Union, told ePolitix.com: "The NFU has been making this very point for some time.

"British farmers are incredulous when their efforts to produce to high welfare standards are undermined by imported poultry and eggs produced to lower standards.

"It is patently unfair to offer shoppers chicken and eggs produced to standards lower than that of our own country while increasing the regulatory burden on domestic producers."