§ 56. Captain Macnamaraasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of his Department to continue to allow the importation of Chinese eggs into this country; and, if so, whether he can give any information as to the firms importing them in large quantities and to the use to which they are put?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Dr. Burgin)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that these eggs are used both by the ordinary consumer, mainly the poorer classes, and by the manufacturing and restaurant trades. It would be contrary to established practice to give the names of individual importers.
§ Captain RamsayIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this particular trade is doing perhaps more than anything else to depress prices in the industry?
§ Dr. BurginNo, I am not. It is quite an illusion to think that there has been any substantial increase in imports from China.
§ Captain RamsayIs not the price of these eggs so low that it has a depressing effect on the industry?