§ 59. Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the 45,000 eggs that were stolen from a lorry at a garage in Old Hill Place, near Clapton; and why 45,000 eggs were allowed to be sent to Clapton?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThese eggs were in the possession of a wholesaler to whom they had been sold in normal course by the Ministry and were taken to Clapton to distribute to consumers through the retailers supplied by the wholesaler. Pending distribution I understand the eggs were stored for a short time in a locked garage and that the lorry was immobilised. The thieves apparently came prepared with spare parts and broke open the garage. The Ministry has sold a further supply of eggs to the wholesaler in replacement and no consumer will go short of eggs as a result of the theft.
§ Mr. ThorneWhat became of the thousands of eggs that were pinched?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThat I cannot tell the hon. Member, but the number was about 37,000, which is a very small part of the total number needed for distribution in London.