HC Deb 26 January 1955 vol 536 c40W
Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food the average rate of subsidy paid to egg packers in each month since April to bridge the gap between market prices and the prices guaranteed to egg producers; and the total amount expended.

Mr. Amory

The average rates of cash allowances paid to egg packers from April to December. 1954, inclusive were as follows:

Month … … Cash Allowances per dozen eggs
April … … 1s. 7½d.
May … … 1s. 7¼d.
June … … 1s. 0d.
July … … 5½d.
August … … 5½d.
September … … 9½d.
October … … 6½d.
November … … 5¾d.
December … … 5d.

The total amount so expended was £15,850,000. In addition, a trading loss of £950,000 on eggs purchased from packers at support prices was incurred. The total subsidy incurred over the period to give effect to the price guarantees to producers under the Agriculture Act, 1947, was thus £16,800,000.