HC Deb 03 April 1968 vol 762 cc337-9
2. Mr. Brewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to receive the report of the Reorganisation Commission on the marketing of eggs.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)

As announced in the 1968 Annual Review White Paper, the Commission's report is expected to be completed during the spring.

Mr. Brewis

When the right hon. Gentleman sees the report, will he bear in mind the need for orderly marketing for many agricultural areas such as Northern Ireland and the Orkneys, where there is a healthy industry at present which might be put in jeopardy?

Mr. Peart

I am always aware of the need for orderly marketing, and I constantly stress it. But I must wait for the report.

35. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will revoke the British Egg Marketing Board Scheme.

Mr. Peart

The future of the Scheme will fall to be considered in the light of the report of the Reorganisation Commission.

Mr. Biffen

While I appreciate the anxiety of the right hon. Gentleman to have that report before coming to any conclusion, may I ask him to bear in mind the advantages that would accrue to the taxpayer and the consumer, as well as to agriculture, if egg marketing in future were left to free enterprise and not constrained in some way, to keep in being high-cost producers?

Mr. Peart

I am aware that on this question there are many conflicting interests. One of the hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends said earlier that he wanted more orderly marketing. I must be sensible here and wait for the report.

39. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Reorganisation Commission on the egg industry will include recommendations on the sale of free-range eggs when it makes its report.

Mr. Peart

The terms of reference of the Reorganisation Commission cover all aspects of the marketing of eggs. I cannot anticipate its report.

Mrs. Butler

In view of the increasing demand for free-range eggs labelled as such, would my right hon. Friend ensure that provision is made for them to be marketed in this way when he receives the report?

Mr. Peart

I cannot anticipate the Commission's report at this stage.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

When does the Minister expect to receive the report? Would he confirm that the nutritional value of free-range eggs is no more than that of eggs laid by battery hens or deep-litter eggs?

Mr. Peart

I cannot give a precise date for when I shall receive the report. I answered a previous Question on this matter.