HC Deb 17 September 1940 vol 365 c110
42. Colonel Carver

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether poultry-producing firms who have hitherto been selling eggs under the national mark grade, and who have all electrical equipment both for testing and grading, will be able to continue using this mark without reference to any specified annual output of eggs?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Boothby)

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the marking of individual eggs by licensed packers in accordance with the provisions of the Home-Produced Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order of the 29th August. In considering applications for licences in this connection, it is necessary to take into account the output capacity of the packing station if the object of the marking scheme is to be achieved, but the Ministry is prepared to consider each application on its merits even if the specified annual output has not been reached.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Is the Minister aware that although the maximum price is 3s. a dozen, people up and down the country are being charged 3s. 6d. and 3s. 9d. a dozen? Can he tell us why this is?

Mr. Boothby

I do not think that arises out of this Question.

Mr. Griffiths

It arises out of the purses of the wives of the workers.