§ 2.37 p.m.
§ LORD RUSSELL OF LIVERPOOLMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government why, having regard to the recent announcement by the Chairman of the British Egg Marketing Board that there will be a large surplus of eggs by the end of the year, eggs in large quantities are being imported from Poland and other countries, and whether they will discontinue the importation of eggs from abroad while there is a plentiful supply of them in this country.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)My Lords, domestic production has risen considerably in recent years. Imports for the first nine months of this year have amounted to less than 2 per cent. of total supplies and cannot be said to determine the price level. In all the circumstances, we do not feel justified in imposing import restrictions.
§ LORD RUSSELL OF LIVERPOOLMy Lords, I thank the noble for his reply, which will be received with great disappointment by a large number of small egg producers. May I ask him whether the Government will reconsider this question and not import eggs while a surplus of eggs is being produced in this country?
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, I am afraid that I cannot agree to reconsider it. Provision is made in the Egg Subsidy 736 arrangements for an additional Exchequer payment to be made, subject to certain conditions, when imports in any month exceed the average in the corresponding month of the four preceding years; so the industry is well covered.