HC Deb 22 July 1915 vol 73 cc1657-8
27. Mr. GINNELL

asked why the Board of Trade has not effected any improvement in the handling of Irish eggs in transit to Glasgow and other British centres since the Board's attention was previously called to this matter; whether he is aw are that all Irish eggs are put on rail in Ireland in good condition, fit to bear reasonable handling, but on arrival in Britain are found to be broken and unsaleable, and that the trade has seriously suffered from this cause; and whether he will at once take practical steps to effect an improvement?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not aware that the Board's attention has been specially called to the matter previously, and I cannot find that we have recently received any complaint of the breakage of eggs from Ireland, but I shall be happy to look into any specific case if furnished with particulars.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman note that, not only is it a question of damage to the eggs, but there is also a delay in transit which causes serious detriment?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If any case is brought to my attention I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why his Department have not been able to call to mind a question put toy me in this House, eighteen months ago, on this subject, and will he say why the answer then given has not been carried out?