§ 50. Sir Richard Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of former egg producers ceased to supply eggs during the 12 months to the last convenient date; and what proportion of those still engaged in egg production has resorted to intensive methods.
§ Mr. HoyBetween the dates of the June census in 1962 and 1963, the number of agricultural holdings with birds of 6 months and over in England and Wales fell from 198,535 to 187,233. I regret that comparable information from the 1964 Census is not available owing to a change in the particulars collected. In 1963–64 approximately 80 percent. of the laying birds on agricultural holdings were kept under deep litter, battery or other intensive system of management.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is having with the egg industry; when he expects these discussions to be completed; and if he will 232W make a statement when they are completed.
§ Mr. PeartI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Hayman) on 17th March, 1965.