HC Deb 22 June 1931 vol 254 cc21-2
62. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has fixed a definition of the word new-laid; and what is its application to foreign imported eggs?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

The term "new-laid" has not been defined either by statute or by regulation. By regulations under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1928, the term "first quality" is applied to freshly laid eggs produced in England and Wales and is the basis of the National Mark egg scheme. All imported eggs, whenever they may have been laid, are required to be marked with an indication of origin.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public expect to receive from the retailers fresh eggs bearing the words "new-laid" and will he see that the public are not deceived by the words "new-laid" being used on unauthorised eggs?

Dr. ADDISON

If the public buy national mark eggs, they will be authorised, and they will be fresh.