HC Deb 09 April 1923 vol 162 cc853-4
16. Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSON

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities of eggs imported, not in shell, during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)

As the reply is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with the permission of the hon. Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

QUANTITY OF EGGS, NOT IN SHELL, IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM DURING THE YEARS 1920, 1921, AND 1922.
Description. 1920. 1921. 1922.
Eggs not in shell: cwts. cwts. cwts.
Liquid and yolk 442,715 454,108 424,005
Albumen 54,959 35,341 37,835
Dried 36,628 29,970 10,645
Total 534,302 519,419 472,485

17. Mr. SIMPSON further

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether eggs are imported, unshelled, in tins from China and elsewhere; how these eggs are preserved; and for what purposes they are used in Great Britain?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)

I understand that dried and frozen eggs without shells and containing no preservative are imported into this country, and, in addition, liquid egg yolk preserved with boric acid. Dried eggs are sold to the public, but frozen and liquid eggs are mostly used in the confectionery trade.

Mr. SIMPSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that they are hens' eggs?

Captain TERRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that eggs can be produced in this country if the Minister of Agriculture will only take steps