18. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what report he has had from the Consumers' Committee of the Egg Marketing Board in regard to his policy of bringing second quality eggs back on to the market at excessively high prices to the consumer.
§ Mr. PeartThe decision to put second quality eggs back on to the market has been taken by the British Egg Marketing Board, and I have had no report from the Consumers' Committee about the prices being charged.
Mrs. ButlerIs it not rather sharp practice for the Board to put these second quality eggs on the market, at a very high price, without passing lower prices on to the public, particularly as these eggs will be the only alternative in many areas to large and standard eggs which are now twice the price they were in September? Will my right hon. Friend make representations to the Board?
§ Mr. PeartI cannot accept the implications of that supplementary question. The Board feels that this is the right policy and, in the circumstances, I agree.