§ 17. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in some districts in Skye, smallholders are only able to secure 4d. per dozen for their eggs from local merchants; the market price in the Leith 1653 or Glasgow markets for fresh country eggs; and if he is prepared to consider a scheme whereby the Board of Agriculture would market this produce, and so assist the producers to dispense with unnecessary middlemen?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no information bearing on the first part of the question. I understand that the current wholesale price of country eggs in Glasgow ranges from 1s. 7d. to 1s. 9d. per dozen. As regards the last part of the question, I am not prepared to ask the Board of Agriculture to undertake a scheme of egg marketing, as the matter seems to me to be essentially one for co-operative action by the islanders. The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society has, I understand, endeavoured to form co-operative societies for egg-marketing purposes, and although their efforts have so far met with little response, they propose to make another attempt.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIf the right hon. Gentleman has no information to justify the statement in the first part of the question, is it not possible for him to make inquiries from his local representative in the Kilmuir Parish of Skye to see if the statement is correct?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman send some delegates from the Board of Agriculture to the island of Skye to explain the advantages of cooperation, in the same way as they were explained to the inhabitants of Orkney and Shetland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe representatives of the Agricultural Organisation Society are far more suited to explain the working of these societies and to assist in their formation. It is quite clear that it would be to the advantage of these people if they took steps to inaugurate such societies.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIn view of the importance of this question to thousands of smallholders, could not the right hon. Gentleman make himself acquainted with the facts?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe facts, of course, are very clear, but, as the organisation which alone can form the societies through which these eggs can be sold is taking steps to explain the matter, I think it appears to meet the situation.
§ Mr. RILEYAre the Scottish Board doing anything in conjunction with the Agricultural Organisation Society?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Scottish Board are working with the Agricultural Organisation Society and giving them every assistance.