HC Deb 12 March 1952 vol 497 cc1381-2
50. Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner

asked the Minister of Food the average time taken for home-produced eggs to reach the consumer.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Charles Hill)

Approximately two and a half weeks.

Sir L. Ropner

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this time shows any improvement—whether it is shorter or longer than it was a year ago?

Dr. Hill

It is approximately the same as it was a year ago.

Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Lipton

In arriving at the figure of 2½weeks, does the Minister take into account the age of those elderly and unfertile eggs discharged with ignominy from incubators which are now being sold freely in retail shops?

Dr. Hill

This is the average time for the average egg.