§ 49. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any announcement to make on the Government's policy towards the poultry industry?
§ 33. Sir Gifford Foxasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the report of the National Poultry Council stating that the total import from May, 1937, to April, 1938, of eggs in shell, liquid and frozen, is estimated at 4,082,681,180; whether his Department accepts this figure as approximately accurate; and whether, in that case, he can accelerate the announcement of his policy for the poultry industry?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have seen the estimate to which my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) refers, and have no reason to suppose that it is not approximately correct. I hope very shortly to be in a position to make a statement of the Government's policy in regard to the poultry industry.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the delay in announcing the Government's policy is leading a number of men to leave the poultry industry, and to a great diminution in the number of poultry kept on the holdings; and will he take steps to prevent irreparable damage being done to this important industry?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere has been no avoidable delay. Consultations have to take place between the industry itself and a number of associated interests. I hope that an announcement will be made very shortly, as I am anxious to deal with the matter.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware of the unsatisfactory state of affairs throughout the poultry industry?
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware of the very great hardships caused to ex-servicemen and others engaged in the poultry industry in Scotland; and will he take it up with the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Mr. MorrisonOf course, there is collaboration with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in this matter.