§ Colonel Carverasked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the severity of the blow to small poultry-keepers, he will make the new Order, reducing birds from 50 to 25, less drastic?
§ Mr. MabaneI have been asked to reply. I cannot agree that the new Order requiring owners of over 25 head of poultry to dispose of their eggs only to licensed buyers or licensed packers is either drastic or a severe blow to small poultry-keepers. All poultry-keepers can retain as many eggs as they require for their own household use and a large number of small poultry-keepers are at present selling their surplus eggs to packing stations at 3s. 1d. per dozen as against the maximum of 2s. per dozen they are allowed to charge on direct sales to consumers. Adequate arrangements will be1094W made for the collection of the eggs of small poultry-keepers. In these circumstances my Noble Friend sees no reason for modifying the proposals to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.