HC Deb 06 April 1937 vol 322 cc13-4
19. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to announce the steps the Government propose to take in order to save the poultry industry in this country?

Mr. Ramsbotham

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any further announcement of Government policy in regard to the poultry industry at the present time.

Mr. Turton

Is my hon. Friend aware that while the prices of feeding stuffs have materially increased, the prices of egg products are as low as ever they were; and will he give an assurance that early action will be taken in the matter?

Mr. Ramsbotham

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the state of the industry, and he is giving constant and close consideration to the matter, but he is not in a position at the moment to make any further announcement.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House as to who are receiving these increased prices for feeding stuffs?

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Can my hon. Friend say whether any effective action is being taken to denounce the. Trade Agreement?

Mr. Macquisten

Is not the reason why the poultry industry are getting no aid because they turned down the proposal to be saddled with a Marketing Board, and are they not being coerced because of that?

Mr. Ramsbotham

There is no truth in such a statement.