§ Mr. DREWEasked the Minister of Agriculture when the Poultry Re-organisation Commission will report; and whether he is prepared to take emergency action to relieve the present situation in the poultry industry?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on Thursday last to questions by my hon. Friends the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. R. J. Russell) and the Member for Penistone (Mr. Glossop). As regards the second part, emergency action to assist the poultry industry was taken as long ago as March last, when the Governments of exporting countries were asked, in the general interest, to make every effort to ensure that their exports of eggs in shell to this market in the six months to 14th 665W September would not exceed the figures for the corresponding period of 1933. The standstill was subsequently extended to the end of September. This arrangement has been fully carried out and total imports of eggs in shell in the period 15th March to 30th September were slightly less than the figure for the corresponding period of last year. After further consideration of the supply position, in the light of a report from the Market Supply Committee, the Government decided that it was desirable to secure a reduction in imports in the six months ending 31st March next. Proposals designed to effect a reduction of 5 per cent. in imports of eggs in shell from foreign sources during the quarter 1st October to 31st December, 1934, have been placed before the Governments concerned. They have also been informed that it is desired to effect a 10 per cent. reduction in the quarter 1st January to 31st March, 1935, and discussions on these lines are proceeding. Arrangements have been made to secure a reduction in imports from the Irish Free State during the current quarter and discussions have been initiated with the other Dominions interested in the supply of eggs to the United Kingdom market.