§ 26. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Food how many standard cases of 30 dozen eggs were handled by registered packing stations in the year 1938–39; and how many during the last year for which records are available.
§ Mr. F. WilleyThe approximate figures for England and Wales for 1938 were 1,200,000 cases of 30 dozen eggs, and, in 1950, 10,200,000 cases. The figure for 1938 relates to packing stations registered under the National Mark Scheme for eggs, which was a voluntary scheme.
§ Mr. Crouchwhile thanking the Minister for his answer, may I ask if he is aware that pre-war, when producers were at liberty to dispose of their eggs to the packing stations or direct to the retailer, ample supplies were available in all seasons of the year? In future when his hon. Friends are asking if the present-day production of eggs has been increased will he point out to them that packing stations were free before the war and that they are compulsory now and that is how the discrepancy occurs in statements which have been made recently?
§ Mr. Willeyin 1938 is was a voluntary scheme, but the position is that the supplies of eggs today are greater than pre-war.
§ Mr. Crouchnonsense.