§ 55. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the decrease in poultry rations pro posed by His Majesty's Government would mean a drop in home production of about one-third, and, as feeding stuffs are cheaper to buy from abroad than shell eggs, if he will consider leaving the poultry ration as at present and reducing the number of imported shell eggs.
§ Dr. SummerskillWith regard to the first part of the Question, my right hon. Friend hopes that the drop in the home production of eggs will, in practice, be less than one-third. As regards the second part. Of the Question, it is impossible for him to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion since feeding stuffs are not available for purchase abroad.
§ Sir G. JeffreysWill the Minister agree to an increase in the price of eggs to compensate for a reduction in turnover, and is she aware that, in consequence of the resultant reduction in egg production, it will be impossible to rear sufficient chicks to effect any increase in laying stock this year?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question is "No," and to the second part that we will consider it.