Egg Marketing Scheme

HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 c1377

5. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in the preparation of an egg marketing scheme.

Mr. Amory

Discussions with the National Farmers' Unions have now been resumed and are continuing.

Mr. Crouch

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the producers are eagerly awaiting the establishment of a marketing board for eggs because it will mean a more level price for them and a better quality egg for the consumer? For the first time it will enable producers to advertise the higher quality of the home-produced egg above the imported egg.

Mr. Amory

I am anxious to enable producers to bring forward a scheme if they wish to do so.

Mr. T. Williams

How long are the discussions likely to take before a scheme is produced?

Mr. Amory

I cannot give an answer in terms of days or weeks but I am anxious that no time should be lost. I think that definite progress is being made in overcoming the practical difficulties that we see in allowing a board of the kind envisaged to be established.