HC Deb 21 July 1952 vol 504 cc24-5
39. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Food how many investigators have been detailed by his Department to look into the sale of black market eggs; and how many have been specially engaged for this purpose.

Major Lloyd George

My inspectors watch for sales of this kind in the normal course of their duties. None has been specially engaged.

Mr. Dodds

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that it would be desirable for something to be done, and does he not further appreciate that he has the golden opportunity of going down in history as the buster of this egg racket?

Major Lloyd George

The whole thing is being looked into at the moment, and I cannot say any more just now.

Mr. Beswick

Is it a fact that producers who distribute eggs illegally are also reluctant to declare the full extent of their income? Can the Minister say what liaison there is between his Department and the Treasury on this matter?

THOUSAND TONS PRODUCT WEIGHT
1947 1948 1949 1950 1951
Carcase Beef
Home Production 478.5 469.1 501.2 601.2 617.7
Imports into United Kingdom 477.6 379.1 368.8 301.4 149.8
Imports directed to Colonies and Services overseas 43.0 14.7 15.3 11.8 14.7
Total 999.1 862.9 885.3 914.4 782.2
The above data are extracted from Ministry of Food records.
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