§ 22. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the voluntary restrictions on the import of eggs have not caused any increase in the wholesale price of home-produced eggs; and what further steps he proposes to take to help poultry producers?
§ Dr. BURGINI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on the 15th March, in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question on the subject. The temporary measures which are being taken, pending the report of the Reorganisation Commission, are intended to hold the situation for the time being. The fact that, during the season of maximum home production, the rapid fall in egg prices has been arrested, indicates that these measures have met with initial success.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the hon. Member aware that these voluntary restrictions have not had the effect of raising prices, that eggs are still selling at 7½d. and 8d. a dozen, and that poultry farmers cannot afford to go on selling at this price. Will he, therefore, take further steps in the matter.
§ Dr. BURGINI will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the question, but the fact remains that during the period of maximum home production the fall in prices has been arrested.