HC Deb 26 November 1953 vol 521 cc513-4
44. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Agriculture when a permanent scheme for marketing eggs will replace the present interim scheme.

Mr. Nugent

I cannot at present add to the statement in paragraph 6 of the recent White Paper on Decontrol of Food and Marketing of Agricultural Produce.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the hon. Gentleman give the assurance that the importation of eggs by the Government will not be handed over to private traders until a permanent egg marketing scheme is in operation? Will he also give the assurance that such a scheme will cover foreign as well as British eggs?

Mr. Nugent

It would be quite impossible for me to give an undertaking going as far as that, but I can give the hon. and gallant Gentleman the undertaking that before the importation of eggs is returned to private hands we will consider how it fits in with the future permanent scheme for home-produced eggs.

Mr. Baldwin

Before setting up the marketing scheme, will my hon. Friend see that it is a voluntary and not a compulsory scheme, so that the producer of eggs who wants to sell direct to the consumer is able to do so?

Mr. Nugent

All producer marketing schemes are voluntary and are voted in by the farmers themselves.

50. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in response to the invitation given in the recent White Paper, he has now received from producers detailed proposals for a marketing scheme for eggs, and if, in view of the unsatisfactory features now evident in the present interim price guarantee arrangements, he will give urgent consideration to the problems of the poultry industry so that production may be fully maintained next year.

Mr. Nugent

I understand that my right hon. Friend may expect detailed proposals from producers' representatives very shortly, and he will certainly give them urgent consideration.