§ 27. Sir PATRICK HANNONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the unprecedented increase in the import of eggs in the shell from certain foreign countries during the months of January and February last, as compared with the corresponding months of 1935, the volume of imports showing increases, in the case of Denmark, of 53.5 per cent., Poland 406.72 per cent., Belgium 522.54 per cent., and other foreign countries 426.78 per cent.; and whether he contemplates immediate action to safeguard the poultry-keepers of this country from this destructive competition?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware of the recent increases in imports of foreign eggs in shell. The question whether further assistance should be accorded to the home industry when circumstances permit is at present under consideration.
§ Sir P. HANNONIn view of the importance of the industry to the masses of the people, will the Minister undertake that in future oversea trade agreements, consideration will be given to this matter and every possible protection afforded to the industry?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the National Poultry Council complied with the conditions under the Marketing Act, 1033, which enable the Minister to take steps in the direction indicated?
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWill the Minister bear in mind the recent report of Sir John Orr which shows under-nourishment among the population; and will he do all he can to prevent any artificial increase in the price of foodstuffs?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAll these matters will be kept in mind; but it is important that foodstuffs should be produced at home if only from the point of view of freshness—a point which has also been brought out strongly.