§ 37. Sir JOSEPH LAMBasked the Minister of Agriculture what action has been, or is proposed to be, taken in regard to countries which, during the 15 weeks ended 30th June, have largely exceeded the quantity of eggs exported by them to this country in the corresponding period last year; and whether he is satisfied that the aggregate quantity of foreign eggs imported between 15th March and 14th September will not exceed that imported last year?
38 and 39. Lieut.-Colonel ACLANDTROYTEasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is aware of the serious condition of the poultry industry caused largely by the importation of cheap foreign eggs and eggs in shell; and whether he proposes to take any further action to help this industry before the Recess;
(2) whether he is aware that imports of eggs from Poland were higher during June, 1934, than during June, 1933, and that the imports from several foreign countries were higher during the first six months of 1934 than during the similar period in 1933 in spite of the voluntary restriction agreed to; and whether he proposes to take any further steps to reduce imports of eggs?
§ Mr. ELLIOTSince the arrangement proposed by His Majesty's Government in March last, for a standstill in imports of eggs in shell, applied to the period of six months to 14th September next, no special significance should be attached in this connection to the figures of imports in June or in the first six months of 1934. Imports from some countries in the first. 15 weeks of the arrangement, to 30th June, were greater than in the corresponding period of 1932, but total imports of eggs in shell from all sources in the period in question showed a reduction of about 10 per cent. The action to be taken to regulate imports of eggs after 14th September next is under consideration, but is unlikely to be announced before the Recess.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not answered Question 38 in regard to poultry industry; and does he realise that this industry consists very largely of small men who cannot afford to go on losing money?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have dealt with the position in the poultry industry, and I have more particularly answered the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question as to whether steps are to be taken before the Recess.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will have power under the Anglo-Danish Treaty to reduce exports of eggs from Denmark?
§ Mr. ELLIOTYes, certainly.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in many parts of the country, poultry keepers are already selling off some of their stock very cheaply, and that men are being put out of employment?
Major LEI GHTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to stop the importation of eggs from Turkey?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAny reduction of imports must not discriminate specifically against any particular country.