HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc1688-9
17. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportions of supplies of shell eggs consumed in 1955 and 1938 were home-produced; and what estimate he has made of the saving in foreign currency at current market prices for eggs which have been obtained through increased home production.

Mr. Amory

In 1955, 90.6 per cent. of supplies of eggs were home-produced compared with 66.5 per cent. in 1938. The cost of the increased home production of eggs over and above the production in 1938 valued at the average 1955 c.i.f. price for imported eggs would be about £40 million, but it is not possible to estimate the net saving of foreign currency resulting.

Mr. Hurd

When my right hon. Friend next has an opportunity, will he tell the poultry industry how much we all appreciate this great help it is giving towards our balance of payments?

Mr. Amory

Yes, I think that things have been going very well indeed, and the poultry industry is showing that it is keeping itself well up to date.

Mr. Willey

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why we are consuming far fewer eggs now than we were in 1950?

Mr. Amory

I am not sure that this is so. If it is, I think it is only marginal. One explanation is that there is such a wide variety of foodstuffs available that the consumer has a very free choice.