§ Mr. Robertsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether action has now been taken to prevent eggs accumulating in packing stations, and so deteriorating in quality?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir; steps have been taken to draw the attention of packing stations to instructions previously issued to them which should ensure that the collection of stocks at these stations is reduced to a minimum.
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§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the official estimate of the number of eggs that went bad or were damaged since the egg-rationing scheme came into force in the interval between leaving the producer and reaching the consumer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeNo complaints of deterioration or breakage of home-produced eggs have been substantiated since the beginning of the Control Scheme and I am satisfied that the loss of such eggs from these causes has been exceedingly small.
Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what percentage of imported eggs are either found to be bad or broken on distribution to the trade and the public?
Major Lloyd GeorgeNo exact figures are available since the percentage varies according to the quality of the consignments and the nature of the packing in which they reach this country. All imported eggs are examined on arrival, and any cases showing signs of damage are put aside for repacking. It is impossible to say what percentage are broken or deteriorate after eggs have left the Ministry and are in the hands of the trade.