HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc1229-30
21. Mr. W. H. K. Baker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce the appointment of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Eggs Authority.

Mr. Hoy

We shall be making an announcement as soon as possible.

Mr. Baker

The right hon Gentleman will realise the anxiety in the poultry-industry as a result of the Government programme in the Agriculture Bill. Would he give an assurance that the Government will look again at the case for subvention, by means of support buying, for eggs?

Mr. Hoy

That would hardly arise from this question. I said that we hoped to make an announcement about the appointments very soon.

Sir A. V. Harvey

May we be assured that " jobs for the boys " will not be found before the dissolution of Parliament?

Mr. Hoy

I can remember some of the jobs found for some of the other boys when they departed.

Mr. Rankin

When my right hon. Friend is considering the two appointments, will he direct the attention of those who are appointed to the continuing diminution in the size of eggs? Is he aware that the diminution in size is not being accompanied by a diminution in price and that this is a most important matter to housewives? Will he take it into consideration and see what can be done?

Mr. Hoy

At the end of the day, I shall have to leave it to the hen. But what my hon. Friend has said will be taken note of.