HC Deb 16 February 1937 vol 320 cc987-8
36. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious crisis that has developed in egg and poultry marketing in Scotland; and whether he will consider the advisability of meeting representatives of the poultry breeders with a view to arriving at some measure of agreement that will end the present unsatisfactory state of affairs?

44. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the position of the poultry industry in Scotland; that smallholders in the county of Linlithgow, with the cost of feeding-stuffs 4o per cent. in advance and the prices obtained for eggs at least 25 per cent. below last year's figures, are facing ruin; and what immediate steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

60. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the poultry industry in Scotland is in a critical state; that large numbers of poultry-keepers are on the verge of bankruptcy on account of the low prices now being obtained for home-grown eggs; and whether he is prepared to receive a deputation from the organised poultry-keepers of Scotland in order to consider immediate steps for the relief of a dangerous situation?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware of the concern felt amongst poultry farmers in Scotland in regard to the position of the industry, and I can assure the hon. Members that the position is being carefully watched by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and myself. I am at all times ready to consider a request from representative organisations of producers to discuss their particular problems. No approach has, however, been made to me by the organised poultry industry.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware of the fact that the crisis is very serious, and that many poultry breeders are threatened with having to go out of business as a consequence of the very high cost of feeding, and will he not therefore take the most urgent steps to save this industry?

Mr. Mathers

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed from the Board of Trade answers on this subject to-day, that China does not come in the list of those countries whose eggs must be allowed in, and in view of the fact that much of the trouble is being caused by Chinese eggs, supposed to have been diverted from Spain, will he not consider prohibiting their entry to this country?

Mr. Speaker

We are spending too much time on eggs this afternoon.