§ 25. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the amount of eggs imported into this country on the latest convenient date; and what percentage this is of the total United Kingdom requirements.
§ Mr. HoyIn the first 10 months of this year, 233 million shell eggs were imported, representing 1.8 per cent. of total supplies for the period.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan the Joint Parliamentary Secretary say what percentage of these went to the shell egg market and what percentage to the liquid egg market?
§ Mr. HoyAbout 9,100 tons of egg products were imported in the first 10 months of this year, 13,800 tons in the same 10 months of 1963 and 15,600 tons in the same months of 1962. I do not have the exact figures of how much of the shell imports went into the shell market and how much went to the liquid market, but I will find out and let the hon. Gentleman know.
§ Sir H. HarrisonWould the hon. Gentleman agree that, in view of the large amount of shell eggs produced in this country, there is now a case to prohibit the importation of shell eggs?
§ Mr. HoyNo. I do not think so. I suggest that the figures I gave in my original Answer prove that there is no need for that.
§ 31. Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Poultry and Egg Producers' Association on the low prices for eggs.
§ Mr. PriorIs not that reply rather surprising, as the right hon. Gentleman was president of the Association until six weeks ago? Is it not the fact that the subsidy for eggs is now at a rate of about £30 million, and that egg prices are lower than they have been for many years? What does the Minister intend to do about it?
§ Mr. HoyThe reply may well be surprising, but it is correct. The job previously filled by my right hon. Friend is not likely to be rushed for by ex-Ministers, as there is no salary attached to it.
Mr. Fletcher-CookeWill the Minister, sooner or later, give us some policy on eggs? Will he say whether there are too many eggs, or too few? I think there are too many, but a great many of my constituents are continuing to produce more eggs. I think that they should be advised whether or not to go on with this expansion.
§ Mr. HoyIt does cause some concern, and conversations will take place between the Association and my Department. Of course, as the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, such conversations will take place, in any case, before the Annual Price Review.