HC Deb 02 April 1935 vol 300 cc181-2
43. Captain ARCHIBALD RAMSAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the continued importation of quantities of Chinese eggs is causing growing indignation in both Scotland and England, not only on account of the serious effect these eggs exert upon prices but also because the public is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that Chinese poultry are housed and fed in a filthy manner; and will he take some action in the matter

Mr. ELLIOT

Imports of eggs in shell from China during January and February of this year were 246,000 great hundreds, as compared with 436,000 great hundreds for the corresponding period of last year, a. reduction of nearly 44 per cent. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that the Government made proposals designed to secure an overall reduction, by voluntary arrangement, of 10 per cent. in foreign imports during the first quarter of the year. Imports of liquid eggs from China have also been considerably lower than during the corresponding period of 1934. With regard to the quality of Chinese eggs, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, on 14th March to questions on this subject.

Captain RAMSAY

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that the importation is still having an effect on prices, he is taking any further steps in the matter?

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the main reason for the big reduction of 44 per cent. in the importation?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid that I cannot say that without notice.

Captain RAMSAY

May I have an answer?

Mr. ELLIOT

The question of the effect of imports as a whole upon the situation is being carefully watched by the Government. I am afraid that it would not be possible to take discriminatory action against one consignment.