HC Deb 07 June 1932 vol 266 cc1770-1
34. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Devonshire have been receiving eightpence a dozen for eggs and in Cornwall even less, while they are being sold in London at from 1s. 3d. to 1s. 6d.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)

The low prices quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend are probably those paid for ungraded eggs. The retail prices to which he refers are the highest prices paid for special weight eggs. A large proportion of the ungraded eggs retailed in London are being sold at 1s. a dozen. The margin between the prices at which eggs are purchased and sold is not, therefore, so wide as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests. The remedy rests to a large extent with the producers themselves.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is not the reason why the price paid is so low, largely owing to foreign dumping, and cannot anything be done to stop it?

Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

Is it due to the fact that the hens are laying?