§ Viscount ELMLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the national mark scheme as applied to eggs, and if he will consider making it compulsory for all eggs of British origin to be thus marked?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe National Mark scheme for eggs came into operation in 1929. In the year ended 31st October, 1930, 151,000,000 eggs were packed under the National Mark. In the year ended 31st October, 1931, 222,000,000 eggs were packed under the Mark, an increase of 71,000,000, or practically 50 per cent. in one year. As regards the last part of the question, it is already possible for egg producers, if they so desire, to submit a scheme or schemes under the Agricultural Marketing Act, which might include provisions for compulsory grading and marking.