HC Deb 21 January 1937 vol 319 c339
48. Major Hills

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends taking any steps to protect the poultry industry in view of the fall in the price of eggs and the rise in the cost of feeding stuffs?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

An application for increases in the import duties on foreign eggs imported into the United Kingdom was recently lodged with the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and I am not at present in a position to make any announcement on the subject.

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Minister not give special attention to this question as it affects Scotland?

Mr. Morrison

Questions relating to agriculture in Scotland are answered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Has the Minister received the report from the Advisory Committee? If not, can he say when he expects to do so?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir, I cannot say that.

Mr. Muff

Is the Minister aware that the fall in the price of eggs lasted only five days?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that the monthly figure for the price of eggs last year, except for August and December, was higher than in 1935 and 1934.