§ LORD RUSSELL OF LIVERPOOLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that, of the one and a quarter million eggs recently imported from Cuba, nearly all had to be broken out owing to their condition on arrival; what action, if any, has been taken as a result of the National Farmers' Union's protest to the Board of Trade about this; and whether they will now cease importing eggs and other foodstuffs from abroad into this country of which there is already a surplus supply.
1528WA
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)We are aware that a recent consignment of eggs from Cuba suffered damage during shipment. The National Farmers' Union drew the Board of Trade's attention to imports of eggs from Cuba about a month ago. The Government do not themselves import eggs or other foodstuffs but as I informed the noble Lord in answer to his previous questions on 24th November and 8th December, 1964, they do not feel justified in prohibiting private imports.