§ 9. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors have caused the increase in the subsidy on eggs from £19 million in 1955–56 to over £33 million in the present year.
Mr. AmoryThe two main direct factors have been an increase in the 569 quantity of eggs sold to packing stations under the guarantee arrangements and a reduction in the average selling price for these eggs: both these factors reflect the underlying cause, which is a substantial increase in home production of eggs.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor claimed to have abolished the subsidy? Was that statement made in error? Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many eggs are at present being exported to the Continent and whether they are subsidised?
Mr. AmoryI am informed that a very small number of eggs have been exported—during the past few months some hundreds of boxes, only an insignificant quantity. As the hon. Member knows, we are now producing about 100 per cent. of the eggs consumed in this country. The average price at present is about 5d. a dozen lower than it was this time last year and the increase in home production this year as opposed to last year amounts to about 7 per cent.