HC Deb 22 May 1975 vol 892 cc1603-6
20. Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to the French Government in an attempt to stop the under-cutting of the British egg market by imports of French eggs.

17. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to deal with the difficulties facing British egg producers and whether he will make a statement.

18. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take to safeguard the future of the United Kingdom egg producers.

Mr. Peart

Prices paid by packing stations for eggs rose in April to profitable levels, but have since fallen. Feedstuff prices have also fallen. Packing station throughput is again increasing. Imports are now at a lower level and eggs are being exported. We are continuing to watch the situation carefully.

In the meantime, the French Government have completed the procedures necessary to open up their market to imports from this country. For the longer term we have begun discussions with industry representatives about their ideas on how the present arrangements for supporting egg production within the Community might be improved, and these discussions will continue.

Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that I am delighted that he has succeeded in persuading the French and the Community to take these measures to assist our poultry farmers? Does he further accept that the British egg producer is infinitely more efficient than the French producer, and managed to produce 100,000 tons more eggs than the French from two-thirds as many poultry? If any situation should arise which threatens bankruptcy to our egg producers in the near future, will the Minister take further instant action in the matter to stop them going bankrupt?

Mr. Peart

I am glad that the hon. Lady has praised the British egg industry. That is why I am not afraid of competition. Indeed, as I have said, exports are increasing. For example, in March we sent over 37,000 boxes of eggs to West Germany, over 23,000 boxes of eggs to the Netherlands, and 42,000 boxes of eggs to Ireland. I am glad to encourage this business.

Mr. Hardy

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would have been foolish to have taken hasty action which could have threatened that export market? Will he confirm that, whilst it may be regrettable to import the substantial number of French eggs which were brought into this country this year, over the past 12 months our exports of eggs have been greater than our importation?

Mr. Peart

I have given the figures. I hope that hon. Members will appreciate that some of our egg producers experienced difficulties, of which I am aware. All I am asking is that we continue to play our part as well in the export sphere.

Mr. Jopling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of indications that the price of eggs may fall drastically within the next week or so? If that happens, will he hold himself ready to take immediate steps to hold up the price of eggs to the British producer?

Mr. Peart

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not be gloomy about the matter at this stage. After all, markets are often affected by talk of confidence or lack of confidence. There may be fluctuations. That has always been so, I am glad to pay tribute to the fact that we can be as competitive as the French.

Mr. Corbett

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, despite the hasty decision by the leadership of the National Farmers' Union regarding the Common Market, egg producers have been attempting to blockade the ports to which French eggs are sent at dump prices? Will he consider using the much-vaunted veto in Brussels to protect the egg producer until the Common Market has been kicked into some sense over the egg régime in Europe?

Mr. Peart

I hope that my hon. Friend will agree that I object to people adopting violent or illegal methods of protest. I think the whole House agrees with that. However, I pay tribute to the National Farmers' Union because its President, Sir Henry Plumb, has taken the initiative in Europe—

Mr. Corbett

They walked out.

Mr. Peart

My hon. Friend should listen. Sir Henry took the initiative. I was talking about his initiative in relation to COPA.