§ 49. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give any estimate 962 of the increase in monetary return to egg producers from the working of the national mark scheme?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONIt can be calculated that the difference between the monthly average prices for home-produced eggs at country markets in England and Wales from February to November, 1929, inclusive, and those ruling in the corresponding months of 1928 represents an increased value of, roughly, £1½ million spread over the total output. Various factors have no doubt contributed to this result, but I am satisfied that the national mark egg scheme has materially influenced the market in favour of the home producer.
§ Major GEORGE DAVIESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an increasing movement to try and stop the success of this scheme for the national marking of eggs; and is his Department alive to the necessity of taking steps to protect a policy which has received his support?
§ Mr. BUXTONIt is not an increasing movement and it certainly will be defeated.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESMay I ask whether the success of the scheme is that it will raise prices to the home consumer to the extent of £1,500,000?