§ 64. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that poultry
§ in the third column) will be included, for the periods specified, in the block licensing arrangements announced in the Ministry of Food Press notice No. 5596A dated 15th December, 1949, and subsequent Press notices.
§ The quantities stated in the third column will be subject to review in the light of supplies available from home production. Further, it may prove necessary in some cases, if home supplies are not enough, to shorten the period of restricted importation during which the open general licence is suspended.
§ keepers are perturbed about his Department's decision to import 14,200 tons of dried egg from America; and whether, in future, he will arrange for more adequate supplies of feedingstuffs to be made available in order that through an extension of the poultry industry in this country additional eggs may be produced at home.
§ 65. Lieut.-Colonel Corbettasked the Minister of Food what quantities of dried egg have been purchased from the United States of America during the last year; and at what pricé.
§ Mr. WebbAs I explained in reply to similar Questions on Monday the recent purchase of dried egg was linked with the 405 financing by E.C.A. of part of our Canadian wheat purchases to the value of 175 million dollars. We agreed to buy perishable food from the United States and, therefore, the dollars could not be spent on feedingstuffs. In any case, this dried egg will be very welcome as we cannot get enough from other sources. During the past 12 months 16,950 tons have been bought from the United States at an average price of 31 cents a pound.
§ Colonel RopnerCould not the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that greater quantities of feedingstuffs will be available during the forthcoming year for poultry keepers in this country?
§ Mr. WebbThat is a separate question. I could not deal with that matter on a Question directed to dried egg.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CorbettIs the Minister aware that consumers prefer fresh eggs, that farmers dislike the importation of cheap surplus products and that they want feedingstuffs?
§ Mr. WebbFresh eggs are in abundant supply now. The dried egg goes to the manufacturers, who are very glad to have it.
§ Mr. W. FletcherWill the right hon. Gentleman say how the price of 31 cents a pound compares with the price prevailing in America for this dried egg?