§ 21. Mr. Turtonasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the current weekly rate of import of eggs from Poland.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)I regret that weekly figures are not available. Imports of eggs in shell from Poland in February, 1961, the latest month for which figures are available, were 2.4 million dozen.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that these figures show a 400 per cent. increase over the level of the previous year, and that the indications are that the present level is even higher? As it appears that the anti-dumping legislation at present on the Statute Book is not satisfactory to deal with this problem, will he ask his right hon. Friend to introduce legislation to deal with this and similar problems?
§ Mr. ErrollWe have no evidence to show that these imports have had a significant effect on the price of home-produced eggs and we do not see that there is any need yet to take any action, but of course we shall be glad to hear whatever is said to us.
§ Mr. RidsdaleHow much of the increase in the importation has been caused by the restrictive policy of the Six in not allowing imports into the Common Market?
§ Mr. ErrollWe are not yet fully aware why the increase has taken place, and there is not sufficient evidence to show whether it is a continuing trend or only a temporary phenomenon.
§ Mr. TurtonSurely my right hon. Friend is aware that the producers' price has fallen by 6d. per dozen as a result of the imports of Polish and Rumanian eggs?
§ Mr. ErrollMatters relating to the home price of eggs are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.