HC Deb 28 November 1927 vol 211 cc62-4W
Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of British egg producers at the refusal to approve the marking of imported foreign eggs; whether he is aware that the British egg producers contend that their eggs are now properly graded for market; and whether, in view of the fact that the Merchandise Marks Act was originally passed mainly to afford protection to such British eggs, he will facilitate further inquiry into the matter?

Mr. GUINNESS

I am aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among British egg producers as a result of the recommendations of the Standing Committee appointed under the Merchandise Marks Act. Whether or not British eggs are properly graded for market is obviously a matter of opinion, and I am not aware that any definite contention on this point has been made on behalf of British egg producers as a whole.

I shall, of course, be happy to facilitate as far as I can any representative application to the Standing Committee,

STATEMENT showing Subsidy paid to Beet Sugar Factories during Manufacturing Seasons 1924–25, 1925–26, 1926–27, and 1927–28 (to 31st October, 1927).
Factory. Manufacturing Season.
1924–25. 1925–26. 1926–27. 1927–28 (to 31st Oct. 1927). Total.
£ £ £ £ £
1. Cantley … … 299,181 373,669 508,064 63,063 1,243,977
2. Kelham … … 134,660 97,958 270,971 5,441 509,030
3. Ely … … — 217,011 538,375 92,693 848,079
4. Ipswich … … — 60,980 438,697 26,590 526,267
5. Colwick … … 75,359 159,948 249,959 14,323 499,589
6. Spalding … … — — 143,718 14,217 157,934
7. Kidderminster … … — 63,164 164,076 15,613 242,853
8. Poppleton … … — — 158,536 15,213 173,749
9. Felstead … … — — 95,271 8,615 103,886
10. Bury St. Edmunds … — 92,398 384,322 52,304 529,024
11. Wissington … … — 52,348 111,468 22,965 186,781
12. Peterborough … … — — 187,878 — 187,878
13. Bardney … … — — — 9,676 9,676
14. Selby … … — — — 1,866 1,866
15. Greenock … … — 4,105 17,968 — 22,073
16. Cupar … … — — 56,090 — 56,090
Total … … 509,200 1,121,581 3,325,393 342,579 5,298,753
NOTE.—Three new factories King's Lynn, Eynsham and Allscott, had not started working by 31st October, 1927.

and meanwhile as I have already stated, the Report has been referred to the Poultry Advisory Committee.