§ 47. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the unit subsidy on eggs at the latest available date.
Mr. AmoryThe rate of subsidy at present being paid to egg packers under the guarantee arrangements is approximately 2s. 4d. per dozen. In addition, the Ministry incurs trading losses which on average over 'the year amount to about 1d. per dozen.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is a recantation on consumer subsidies or a miscalculation and a mistake?
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir; it is neither. It is the direct result of a very substantial increase in the production of eggs over the past year, and the effect of that, of course, is that although the taxpayer is having to meet a higher liability, the consumer is getting eggs at the present time almost as cheaply as before the war.