§ 39. Mr. Doddsasked 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 GeorgeMy inspectors watch for sales of this kind in the normal course of their duties. None has been specially engaged.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes 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 GeorgeThe whole thing is being looked into at the moment, and I cannot say any more just now.
§ Mr. BeswickIs 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. |