HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 cc1460-1
56. Mr. John Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture what decision he has reached concerning the scheme for augmenting the country's egg supplies from household food scraps submitted to him by the hon. Member for Doncaster on 18th July last?

Mr. Hudson

As the hon. Member is aware, I arranged that this scheme together with others having the same object in view should be considered by the Domestic Food Producers' Council. I have now received the report of the council, which recommended that a central and independent organisation should be set up. In accordance with that recommendation, I propose to appoint a Domestic Poultry Keepers' Council for England and Wales for the purpose of guiding and assisting domestic poultry keeping in war time with special reference to securing the effective use of household and garden waste and organising available supplies of purchased feeding stuffs. I hope to be able to announce the composition of the Council in a few days.

Mr. Morgan

Appreciating the right hon. Gentleman's satisfactory approach to the question, does that mean that the Council can function pretty soon and that, on the announcement of the names, they can go ahead?

Mr. Hudson

I hope so.

Sir F. Fremantle

Will the Council also have reference to poultry breeding?

Mr. Hudson

All factors will be taken into account.

60. Mr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that backyard poultry-keepers are being charged 3d. a 1b. for mixtures of corn or mash, or a rate of about 30s. a cwt. for a feed which is available to farming poultry-keepers at less than 14s. a cwt.; and will he take steps to prevent this exploitation, either by regulating this type of poultry keeping or otherwise?

Mr. Hudson

The prices charged to backyard poultry-keepers, to which the hon. Member refers, have not previously been brought to my notice, but I am making inquiries on the subject. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the proposal which I have just announced in reply to his previous Question to appoint a Domestic Poultry Keepers' Council.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not this an instance where the Ministry of Food could take action, because these prices hit the small man very heavily indeed? Nobody seems to bother about the small men and women of this country to-day.

Mr. Hudson

It is precisely for the reason the hon. Member has given that I have appointed this Council.

Mr. Morgan

I take it that the Council could make representations to the Ministry of Food?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, Sir.