56. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any estimate has been made of the cost of administration of the control of eggs?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe cost of administration of the egg control scheme depends to a considerable extent on the throughputs of eggs. On the basis of the total throughput of eight million boxes of eggs, both home produced and imported, the estimated cost of administration is of the order of £500,000 per annum, of which about one-third is due to the recent extension of control to cover home-produced eggs.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it worth while spending £500,000 to get one egg a week?
Major Lloyd GeorgeCertainly, if you cannot get an egg at all, and if the cost is one-seventh of a farthing per egg.
57. Mr. Whiteasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any estimate has been made of the time which will be required under the control of eggs scheme to transfer the egg from the hen to the consumer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. Under the egg control scheme a proportion of home-produced eggs will continue to be sold by the producer direct to the consumer. I see no reason why any change need be expected in the process of sale in the case of these eggs. As regards eggs which pass through a wholesaler to a retailer, it is not anticipated that the length of time taken to reach the consumer will be any longer under the scheme than before it was introduced.
§ 60. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is satisfied that all foreign eggs are being stamped with the name of the country of origin; and what penalty is to be imposed for failure to do so?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe conditions for the import of eggs from the U.S.A. under the Lease-Lend arrangements provided that such eggs should be exempt from the necessity of being stamped with the country of origin. Such exemption was extended to Dominion eggs except those from Eire and certain grades of eggs from South Africa, penalties for failing to comply with the law in this respect are set out in the Merchandise Marks Act.
§ 61. Mr. Macdonaldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that, failing 1059 some amendment to the Eggs Control Order, the Standish and District Poultry Society have decided to dispose of 50,000 head of poultry; and whether, since this would seriously aggravate the shortage of eggs, he will consider an amended order in the near future?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have no previous knowledge of the attitude of the Standish and District Poultry Society, but an amending Order was signed on 19th July clarifying the position of the small producer. No further amendments are contemplated until the prices for the winter period of production are introduced. If the Society's intention is to sell their stock, they should encounter no difficulty, as I am informed that there is at present a great demand upon the Hatcheries for replacement stock.
§ Mr. MacdonaldDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that if this stock is sold and sent elsewhere it will cause some transference of eggs to this district, which would not be necessary if the fowls could remain there, and can he not take such action as will enable these hens to stay where they are?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not quite clear from the Question what is the reason for these hens being done away with, whether it is a question of price or lack of feeding-stuffs. If the hon. Member will communicate with me, I will see what I can do.