§ 59. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the black market in eggs and poultry has consider ably increased and that his enforcement officers find it almost impossible to enforce the various price orders; and what steps he proposes to take to combat this evil and to ensure fair distribution of the limited supplies available.
§ Sir B. SmithThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." As regards eggs, the present Regulations provide for the equitable distribution of the available supplies, and in the enforcement of those Regulations satisfactory results have been and are being obtained. As regards poultry, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 29th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Lieut.-Colonel Walker-Smith).
§ Mr. CollinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the answer he has given is not in accordance with the general opinion among the farming community?
§ Sir B. SmithI am not here to bolster up the opinion of any particular or peculiar section in the country. I have given a statement of the facts as I find them.