§ 22. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that Grade A eggs have risen to 5s. 3d. per dozen since derationing and decontrol; and whether, since this is the highest price that eggs have ever been at this time of the year, he will reintroduce price control.
Dr. HillAt Easter eggs were a little cheaper than when they were subsidised, and now they are a little dearer. Freedom has brought them into the shops in good quantity, and I see no reason for thinking price control would make them cheaper than they are.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware of the fact that when his right hon. and gallant Friend made his announcement about decontrolling the price of eggs and their derationing he promised that there would not be any increase—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—no appreciable increase —and is this not in fact the season when eggs are, in accordance with the Minister's own statement, not in short supply? Can he explain why there should be an increase to a higher price than ever before at this time of the year?
Dr. HillMy right hon. and gallant Friend did not anticipate the course of egg prices. Certain other right hon. Gentlemen did and their prophecies have been falsified. In any case, the price of eggs fell soon after decontrol despite the elimination of the subsidy, and the price is now only slightly higher than a year ago despite the elimination of the subsidy.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo I understand from what the hon. Gentleman says that what he means is the more freedom we get the higher the prices?
Dr. HillNo, it means that in this case there was a black market which has been killed by a free market, with greater abundance of eggs.
§ Mr. LewisAre we to take it that the Minister's answer means that the Government have only to kill a black market to make the price so high that the ordinary people cannot afford to buy the eggs?
Dr. HillBy the operation of a free market we have already seen a greater abundance of eggs in the shops than for many years.
§ 24. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Food what orders have been placed by his Department for the import of eggs since 26th March last.
Dr. HillSince 25th March we have contracted with Poland for 65 million eggs, and have made agreements with Australia, South Africa and the Irish Republic for the import of as many eggs as they can make available during the rest of the year. All this is, of course, in addition to our earlier contract with Denmark.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn view of the fact that the wholesale price of English Grade I eggs has gone up by 4s. a long 100 since 18th April last, will the Minister give his assurance that he will continue the policy of bulk purchase of foreign eggs and so avoid the possibility of a 9d. or 10d. egg being sold in this country before the year is out?
Dr. HillOne can give no assurance as to the method which will be followed, but the import of eggs which we need and which we can afford will be continued.