HC Deb 09 May 1949 vol 464 cc74-5W
Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the extra egg supply has been made available in the shops and what proportion to catering establishments; and what complaints he has received of the relative abundance of eggs in such establishments and their shortage in the home.

Mr. Strachey

Compared with last year 150 million additional shell eggs were allocated by the Ministry of Food between 27th March (when shell eggs were again issued to catering establishments) and 30th April. Of these additional supplies 77 per cent, went to the shops for ordinary and priority consumers and 23 per cent. to catering establishments. The allocation to those establishments, however, represented only 4½ per cent. of the total supply of eggs allocated to the civilian population during that period and I cannot agree that this is relative abundance. Few complaints have been received of the nature indicated by the hon. Member.