§ 30. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Food to what extent he has revised his programme for egg imports during 1953 as a result of his decision to decontrol home-produced eggs.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeWe shall buy all we can from sterling sources, and I hope for increasing quantities. We have contracts with Denmark and Poland which cover most of their exportable surpluses. 955 I shall consider further purchases in the light of our balance of payments position and the supplies available.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonDoes that answer mean that, if egg prices rocket skywards as a result of decontrol, imports of eggs from overseas will be increased, and that the Government, being the sole importers of eggs, will use their powers to keep down the prices of home-produced eggs if, as I say, they go up beyond all reason?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy answer means just what is says.
§ 34. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Food if he will make a further statement on the effect of de-rationing on the present system of marketing eggs, with special reference to the guaranteed price and the packing stations.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not expect to be able to make any further statement until discussions with producers, packing stations and distributors have been completed.
§ Mr. GrimondDoes not the Minister agree that while there is a shortage of feedingstuffs there will be some considerable difficulty in this matter? Can he say when he is likely to be able to tell farmers and egg packing stations what the future policy will be?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeEarly in the New Year.