§ 53. Mr. Woodsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that it is impossible to prevent sales of eggs at black-market prices by poultry keepers with up to 50 hens; and whether he is now prepared to compel all producers with 24 hens, and over, to send their eggs to approved packing stations?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWhile some producers with less than 50 laying hens may evade the price Orders to which they are 1185 subject, I have no evidence that such a practice is widespread. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question is in the negative.
§ Mrs. HardieDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the large number of producers kept off the market because of this provision that people with up to 50 hens should not be dealt with under the scheme, and would he reduce this number to bring in more producers under the scheme?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere are very great difficulties in that into which I can- not enter by question and answer.
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the original decision is absolutely right?
§ Mr. ThorneWhere the persons are known to the Ministry to be dealing in the black market, will action be taken?
§ Mr. WoodsWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries as to the price which eggs of such producers are fetching, and will he consult with the Minister of Agriculture to ascertain the sources of supply? There is evidence that this black market in eggs is creating also a black market in provisions for feeding hens.
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I said in my reply, I have no evidence of such sales being widespread. If the hon. Member has information I should be grateful if he would pass it on to me.