§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the sharp increase in the price of eggs in recent weeks, if he will direct the Committee of Investigation of the Egg Marketing Board to consider this matter and report to him.
§ Mr. PeartEgg prices always tend to be at their highest in the autumn as a result of seasonal factors and the quantity of eggs currently available for sale by the Board is at a relatively low level. The Board's selling prices reflect this situation.
My colleagues and I have no power to direct the Committee of Investigation appointed under the Agricultural Marketing Act to consider a matter of this kind except in consequence of a report to us from the Consumers' Committee, which has a general responsibility under the Act to consider and report on the effect of marketing schemes on consumers.