HC Deb 15 December 1947 vol 445 cc1450-1
39. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is a large percentage of breakages in shipments of imported eggs during unloading; to what extent this is due to piece rates being in force which encourage carelessness and hurry; what is done with the eggs so broken; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid such wastage in future.

Mr. Strachey

The percentage of imported eggs broken during unloading has been only fractionally higher in 1947 than in 1946 when it was some 2 per cent. The question of breakages of imported eggs is under continuous review, through the Ministry's officers at the ports, and I hope that this will lead to improvement in future.

Mr. Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the bulk of the damage occurs on this side, and will he do what he can to obviate it in view of the waste of money and of food involved?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. It is very important to keep the percentage as low as possible.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Will my right hon. Friend answer the part of the Question which asks: what is done with the eggs so broken?

Mr. Strachey

We can in some cases salvage them for use in processing.

Mr. Keeling

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the difference between "higher" and "fractionally higher"?

Mr. Strachey

I should imagine that "higher" means higher by a whole number and "fractionally higher," higher by a fractional number.

Mr. Mellish

Can the Minister state that the dock workers are making a 100 per cent. safety effort in the discharge of food cargoes?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly. Nothing I have said must be understood to reflect on them.