HC Deb 05 May 1930 vol 238 cc631-2
78. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention, has been called to the fact that foreign cold-stored eggs are being sold in Great Britain marked new laid; and whether, as he has no powers under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act to take action in such cases, he will consider introducing amending legislation which will have as its object the protection of the public when purchasing these eggs from being under the impression that they are new laid?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I have no doubt that in the late autumn and winter, imported eggs that have been cold stored abroad are bought under the impression that they are fresh, although they are, of course, marked as imported, but it is impossible to devise enforceable legislation to protect the public from this state of affairs which, however, from the standpoint of the home producer, has the ad- vantage that, in the long run, it will react favourably on the reputation of the home product.

Mr. DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these eggs are marked "New laid"?

Mr. BUXTON

I am aware of that, but they are also marked "Imported."