HC Deb 23 March 1959 vol 602 cc885-6
5. Mrs. Emmet

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation for the purpose of standardising the temperature of chilled egg.

Mr. Godber

No satisfactory amendment of existing legislation regarding chilled eggs has so far been found. While my right hon. Friend is arranging for the matter to be further studied, I can hold out little hope of early legislation.

Mrs. Emmet

Is my hon. Friend aware that until a standard for chilled eggs has been definitely established cooled eggs are taken as chilled eggs, thus lowering their price? Does he agree that it is really urgent to press on and establish such a standard?

Mr. Godber

I think that this is an important point, and I should like to find a solution. It is very difficult to find an effective definition which would not vitiate the safeguards which, I am sure, my hon. Friend will agree are equally necessary for the consumer against stale eggs being put forward as fresh.