Mr. T. Morrisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the prices of eggs in the Welsh market have dropped by over 50 per cent. in the past two or three weeks, owing to the importation of large quantities of eggs from South America that would normally have been sent to Spain; and whether emergency steps can be taken to deal with the situation, in view of the difficulties with which poultry breeders in Wales are faced in consequence?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. The fall in the prices of eggs in recent weeks is due to a number of causes, of which the increased importation of eggs from South America does not appear to be the most important. As regards the last part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave on 25th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, East (Mr. Hall-Caine).
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§ Sir P. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture the purport of the representations he has received as to the position of the poultry industry, especially as affecting the small producer; and what measures he proposes for the improvement of existing conditions?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have received representations from many quarters to the effect that the decline in the price of eggs, and the increase in the cost of feeding stuffs, are causing hardship to poultry keepers, especially to those who are mainly dependent upon poultry for their livelihood. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot add to the replies I gave on 21st and 25th January to questions on this subject by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills) and my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, East (Mr. Hall-Caine).