§ 28. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect in Scotland of the reduction of the guarantee for eggs.
§ Lord John HopeThe course of egg production in Scotland will depend on a number of factors of which the change in the guarantee is only one and no precise estimate is possible.
§ Mr. GrimondWill the Minister bear in mind that there are a number of small 1108 farmers in Scotland who are not crofters, and therefore do not gain under the crofting subsidies, who will be hurt by the limitation of the marginal grants system, and who have been depending largely on the sale of eggs? Can he give us any idea about their position?
§ Lord John HopeFrom previous experience, I do not think it is likely that there will be any drastic reduction in the production of eggs. It has not happened before, and it is unlikely to happen now.