HC Deb 18 April 1957 vol 568 cc2099-100
51. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to which countries eggs have been exported in the past three months; and what it the cost of subsidy carried by these eggs.

Mr. Godber

The latest available information is for the three months from December to February, when about 13,000 boxes of eggs were exported to twenty-one countries. As the list of countries is long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The best estimate that can be made of the subsidy incurred on these eggs is about £40,000.

Mr. Hurd

Does my hon. Friend regard this as a temporary phase in our overseas trade, and does he think that when we get the Egg Marketing Board to work it will be able to boost the home sale of home-produced eggs, so that there will not be any surplus which can be exported?

Mr. Godber

Yes, Sir. We hope that this is a temporary phase. It is certainly not our intention to try to stimulate this export trade. I very much hope that the Egg Marketing Board, as one of its first measures, will do all that it can to try to stimulate additional sales in this country.

Mr. Wiley

Is the Minister aware that Denmark is considerably concerned about this matter, and about the effect upon the West German market? Can he tell the House what is happening in regard to the present discussions in Denmark?

Mr. Godber

Denmark has made several representations to Her Majesty's Government upon this point. We have explained the position to her to the best of our ability. I think that she has made an approach to G.A.T.T. upon the matter, and I do not think that it would be proper for me to comment further upon it.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Is there any substance in this protestation by Denmark that we have defaulted from the G.A.T.T. agreement on this matter? Will he confirm or deny that that is so?

Mr. Godber

I would rather not be drawn too far on this point, but it would appear that we have not defaulted in any way because the prices at which eggs are exported are the same as those at which they are available to consumers here.

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