HC Deb 11 February 1937 vol 320 cc585-6
74. Mr. Cassells

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to take steps to regulate the importation of eggs in order to ensure a market for home-produced eggs at an economic price, and to take steps to prevent the importation of liquid eggs?

77. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueter

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he is likely to come to a decision with regard to ameliorating the distress among the poultry farmers of the country; and whether he will treat this matter as urgent?

78. Mr. Haslam

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the considerable increase in imports of foreign eggs in recent months, he is able to take measures in the near future to reduce these imports and so relieve the growing distress among poultry farmers, or if he has an alternative method of relief which can be put into operation without delay?

80. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to deal with the increased importation of eggs and the resultant fall in prices to the poultry producers?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend regrets that there is nothing he can usefully add to the replies that have been given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and himself to recent questions on this subject.

Mr. Cassells

Is the Minister aware that many smallholding tenants are at the present moment, due to the chaos which exists, being definitely crippled, and are we to understand that in these circumstances the Department intends to do absolutely nothing?

Mr. Ramsbotham

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the circumstances and is giving the most careful attention to the matter, but I cannot add anything to the recent reply I gave.

Mr. Haslam

Is any determination of the trade agreements under consideration?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Every relevant consideration is in mind.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Has the President of the Board of Trade got these matters in mind?

Mr. Cassells

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.