HC Deb 06 December 1956 vol 561 cc1431-2
22. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what method of assessment he has now devised to ensure that all possible economies are achieved at the branches of the National Egg Distributors' Association (1954) Limited.

Mr. Amory

A variety of methods are used by my Department and the board of the company to ensure all possible economies. These include regular reviews of the staff position and of comprehensive statements of branch costs, as well as frequent inspection of branches by the general manager of the company.

Mr. Willey

Has not the right hon. Gentleman considered that he has again been stigmatised by the Public Accounts Committee in this matter; that it has declared that there is no satisfactory procedure at present in operation? In view of the importance of eggs in the light of the scheme we are shortly to consider, will the right hon. Gentleman tackle this problem seriously? Will he say he is prepared to do something about it?

Mr. Amory

I am trying to indicate that we are doing something about it, and we believe that it is something which will be effective. But I think I can say that we do not believe that there is a simple index of efficiency which, by itself, would provide the solution. I cannot anticipate otherwise the conclusions which will be addressed in a minute to the Public Accounts Committee. By a "minute" I do not mean a moment of time—I mean the minute I have in mind.

Captain Duncan

Is not the best solution for the Government to get out of trading in eggs?

Mr. Amory

I think before very long the House may have an opportunity to discuss that very important question.