HC Deb 06 December 1937 vol 330 cc11-2
27. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government are taking to increase the research work in connection with the diseases of poultry and fowls, in view of the inexplicable cause of the death of fowls dur- ing the past few years which has been experienced by many poultry keepers?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I have been asked to reply. The Agricultural Research Council has been paying special attention to the serious losses from poultry disease during the past few years, and a committee of the Council was set up in November, 1932, to initiate research into fowl paralysis and coccidiosis, which are two of the major sources of losses. In addition, the Ministry's research staff at the Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, is being augmented by the appointment of two research workers who will be concerned exclusively with poultry diseases and an intensive programme of work is being put in hand.

Mr. Thurtle

Is it the fact that even the fowl population is becoming depressed by the National Government?

28. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps will be taken to ensure a minimum selling price for eggs sold in the spring of the year, in order to stabilise the price to the small producer and ensure an orderly supply?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 21st October to several questions relating to the poultry industry, and to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 8th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd).

Mr. De la Bère

Do not the Government realise that there is so much to be done for the agricultural industry and that so little has been done?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the fact of having all wheats and cereals in this country in their coats, so that the offal could be used more cheaply for the feeding of poultry?

Mr. Ramsbotham

That fact will be borne in mind.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Does the hon. Gentleman know that eggs to-day are 3s. a dozen and that the poor people cannot afford to buy them?