§ 14. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture wheter he is aware that there was a 21 per cent. increase in the number of eggs in shell imported in June, 1935, as compared with June, 1934; and whether he can state what percentage of these eggs have been put into cold storage?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that the increase in the number of eggs in shell imported in June, 1935, as compared with June, 1934, was as stated. During the quarter as a whole, however, the increase compared with the corresponding quarter of last year, when imports were at lowest for many years, was less than 6 per cent., and there was a decrease of about 1½ per cent. compared with the second quarter of 1933, which was taken as the basic period. I have no information about the percentage of imported eggs which is put into cold storage.
§ Captain HEILGERSIn view of the fact that the industry is extremely anxious lest these eggs should be put into cold storage and produced when production and home prices are at their maximum, will the right hon. Gentleman make further investigation and give an answer if I put down a question next week?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have no power to call for returns, but I will see what can be done.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTECan the Minister say whether the voluntary restrictions are being carried out?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThey are being carried out in regard to most other countries except the Netherlands, which is largely increasing its imports into this country.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTECannot the right hon. Gentleman take steps to force the Netherlands to keep to the voluntary arrangement?