§ 23. Lieut-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the adverse effect of the present outbreak of fowl pest on egg production, he will reconsider his decision to end egg rationing in the spring.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture that, although the future course of this outbreak cannot be forecast with certainty, it is unlikely to have any appreciable effect on the total supply of eggs.
The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Minister of Food saying that these 119 outbreaks of fowl pest in 36 counties, resulting in the destruction of 55,000 head of poultry, are having little or no appreciable effect, and if—though we all hope it will be—the epidemic is not brought under control soon, will the Minister at least take its adverse result into account when he decides on the date upon which he is going to set eggs free?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI can only take the advice of my right hon. Friend, and that advice is as I have given in the answer to the Question. While I agree that this is not to be taken lightly, it is still 55,000 birds as against 59 million.
§ Mr. JayCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure us that, when he decontrols eggs, any fall in consumption will be only in the higher income groups?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI hope there will be increased consumption all round.
Mr. WileyIs not the Minister aware that this proposal to decontrol eggs has had a very cold reception in trade and farming circles, and that the present issue of the "Grocer" states that he is running away from his job? Will he reconsider his decision?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt might have added, also, that the consumer will be very glad indeed.