§ 32. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Food if home-produced eggs are graded according to weight; why has the consumer to pay 3d. each irrespective of weight; and if he will fix a smaller price for the smallest eggs.
§ Mr. StracheyThe uniform price for grade A, B and C eggs was introduced on 1st February, 1948, as part of the measures to reduce the subsidy.
§ Mr. HardyIs the Minister aware that this is most unfair to people who have to purchase these eggs, as they are graded by weight? The larger ones are only 3d., the medium ones are 3d. and the very small eggs, which a lot of people are complaining about, are the same price.
§ Mr. StracheyI realise my hon. Friend's difficulty, but it was very necessary to cut down the subsidy. Large, small and medium eggs are very highly subsidised. I am afraid that it would be most difficult to rescind that decision.
§ Sir William DarlingWould the Minister consider fixing a price for slightly cracked eggs for which there is a large market in these days?
§ 36. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food what quantity of poultry and eggs under separate headings were purchased in the years 1940 and 1947, respectively, from producers in Great Britain.
§ Mr. StracheyMy Department purchased no poultry from producers in Great Britain in either 1940 or 1947, and no eggs in 1940. In 1947, we bought 1,283 million eggs from British producers.