§ 44. Mr. Mathersasked the Parlia mentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of compensation has been claimed from his Department since the commencement of the egg-rationing scheme, in respect of eggs which have been found unfit for human food; and how have these claims been disposed of?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn order that each consumer may receive his due share of eggs a quantitative margin is; provided by the Ministry with each allocation 182 sufficient to replace any eggs found unfit for consumption. Claims for compensation do not, therefore, normally arise under the egg control scheme. In the case of home-produced eggs the proportion found bad is very small, and an allowance of one per cent, is normally sufficient to cover breakages, as well as eggs found to be bad.
§ Mr. MathersWhat quantity of eggs was rendered unfit for human consumption by inadequate arrangements for collecting them and for dealing with them at the collecting stations after collection?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have no information to suggest that the proportion was any worse than is normal in peace time. My hon. Friend is probably right in regard to imported eggs. I have already explained in this House the difficulty about imported eggs. But practically not a single complaint in regard to eggs produced in this country has been substantiated, and I have no reason to think that the figure of one per cent. is very far out.
§ Mr. MathersIs the right hon and gallant Member aware that the eggs collected by packing stations in this country were allowed to stand outside in sun and rain, with the result that they became unfit for human consumption?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI absolutely refuse to accept that as a general statement. Many complaints such as the hon. Member is making now have been found on investigation to be entirely unfounded. With regard to home-produced eggs I still say that a figure of one per cent. is not far wrong.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that when families are unable to get their rations of eggs for any particular week owing to insufficiency of supply the retailer is not given sufficient additional eggs the following week to make good the shortage?
§ 48. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will now make a statement as to the present position regarding the better distribution of eggs; and whether consideration has been given to the question of the importation of eggs and feeding-stuffs for poultry?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe scheme for the controlled distribution of eggs has overcome many initial difficulties and regular allocations of eggs to retailers are now being made as supplies become avail able. Feeding-stuffs are being and will continue to be imported at the highest practicable level.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that all packing stations without exception are whole-heartedly within the scheme? What decisions have been reached with regard to the importation of feeding-stuffs as opposed to the importation of eggs?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWith regard to the first part of the supplementary question as to my being satisfied about every packing station, I cannot say that about any thing. There are bound to be some troubles, especially in the early weeks of a scheme of this sort, but I am satisfied that distribution generally is going on fairly. In regard to feeding-stuffs, I can do no more than add that we shall continue to import to the highest possible level.