Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Food if he will consider disbanding the Eggs Division of his Department in view of the fact that it cost the country £1,041,000 this year and the fact that he has no future plans for it.
§ Mr. WebbThe £1,041,000 given as the cost of the Eggs Division of my Department includes an appropriate share 229W of the expenses of the general food rationing arrangements, and, in particular, a share of the expenses of local food offices throughout the country. Moreover, as well as allocating the whole supply of eggs, the Division is responsible for the purchase of home-produced eggs. This is an essential part of the arrangements for implementing the guarantee provided to home egg producers by the Agriculture Act, 1947. So long as there is this guarantee administrative machinery must be provided for implementing it. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member can suggest any alternative arrangements for ensuring fair distribution of our egg supplies and the implementing of our guarantee to home producers, I shall be willing to consider it.