Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the price paid to the Irish producer for eggs; what is the price of the same eggs when sold in this country; and whether he is aware that the very low prices paid in Ireland are entailing the curtailment of the production of eggs?
§ Mr. BoothbyEggs from Northern Ireland are subject to the prices prescribed in the Home Produced Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order of 2s. 9d., 2s. 6d. and 2s. 3d. per dozen according to category. These prices have been calculated so as to allow a reasonable margin for increased cost of production. Under this Order Northern Ireland eggs have been selling in Ireland at prices closely approaching the maximum selling price in this country. Northern Irish producers receive a price determined by the Minister of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on the realised prices less fixed deductions for collection and packing, on a scale approved by the Minister. Eggs from Eire are bought by the Ministry of Food from a company set up by, and under the control of, the Eire Government. Landed prices paid for these eggs are 18s. 3d. and 15s. 9d. per 120 for categories which sell at 2s. 3d. and 2s. per dozen. I am not aware of the price returned to the producer, nor am I aware that such prices are resulting in the curtailment of production.