§ 17. Mr. Hurdasked 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. AmoryIn 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 1689 be about £40 million, but it is not possible to estimate the net saving of foreign currency resulting.
§ Mr. HurdWhen 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. AmoryYes, 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. WilleyCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why we are consuming far fewer eggs now than we were in 1950?
Mr. AmoryI 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.