§ 17. Mr. Baldwinasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the general complaints made with regard to the quality of imported Chinese eggs and of the fact that there is a surplus of home-produced eggs, he will prohibit further importations.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. These eggs may be imported under the open general licence but subject to examination on arrival under the Public Health (Imported Food) Regulations, 1937.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich, where most of these eggs are imported, has been making a series of allegations and is asking for an interview with the Minister of Health upon this point? Does my right hon. Friend think it is wise or sensible for us to be importing eggs which have proved to be poisonous when we are quarrelling with our Danish friends about the export to them of eggs certified and stamped as laid in this country?
§ Sir D. EcclesI shall bring to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health what my hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the important reports from public health laboratories on this subject, which were published a few days ago, and consider further action in conjunction with his right hon. and learned Friend?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health.