§ Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of establishing the three poultry breeding stations and the annual running cost; and what results of value 94W to commercial egg producers are coming from this undertaking.
§ Mr. GodberThe initial net cost of establishing and equipping the three poultry progency testing stations in England and Wales was £510,000. This sum was contributed by the industry by way of adjustments to the guaranteed prices for eggs. Since then, the Exchequer has borne expenditure of about £7,000 on minor capital works and machinery.
The current net annual cost of the stations is about £60,000. This figure includes the cost of scientific, technical and administrative staff and depreciation of machinery and equiment, but not depreciation on buildings or interest on capital.
The tests were designed and are being operated, in consultation with representatives of the poultry industry, with the object of improving the standard of purebred breeding stock. If this objective is achieved the tests will undoubtedly be of considerable benefit to commercial egg producers. But since the first cycle of tests has not yet been completed it is not possible at this stage to assess their value to commercial egg producers.