§ 20. Sir P. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has noted the heavy increase in imports of eggs in October and the failure of foreign countries to comply with the Government's requests for limitation of shipments; and what steps it is proposed to take to safeguard the market for home producers and ensure the expansion of the poultry industry?
§ 28. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to the restriction of the importation of foreign eggs, either by a percentage or quota?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that imports of eggs from foreign sources in October last were greater than in October, 1933, and 1934. Prices of home-produced eggs since May of this year have, however, been generally higher than those ruling in the last two years. The Government's long-term policy for the poultry industry will be formulated after careful consideration of the recommendations of the Great Britain Reorganisation Commission for Eggs and Poultry, whose report, as I have indicated, has now been presented, and will, I hope, be published early next week.
§ Mr. THURTLEIn connection with the formulation of that policy, will the 542 Government bear in mind the need for the people of this country being able to buy eggs at a cheaper price?
§ Mr. ELLIOTCertainly.