HC Deb 15 February 1967 vol 741 cc93-4W
32. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the sudden increase in egg imports in recent weeks; and what discussions he has had with representatives of home producers on this matter.

51. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the British Egg Marketing Board about the effect on egg prices of recent importations of dumped foreign eggs; and what action he has taken thereon.

59. Mr. Rowland

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from the National Farmers' Union or its county branches concerning the dumping of foreign eggs on the British market; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Peart

The British Egg Marketing Board and the National Farmers' Union have represented that the level of egg imports recently has been damaging the home producer. I have told them that I do not consider that a case has been made out for any change in our import policy. Egg imports, after showing some increase in January are now at a lower level. Even at the January level they did not involve the payment of compensation which is provided for under the egg guarantee arrangements to protect the interests of home producers from the effects of excess imports.

If the industry considers that eggs are being dumped and are causing or threatening them with material injury it is open to them to apply to the Board of Trade for anti-dumping action.

50. Sir H. Harrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the effect of the imports of foreign eggs on producers.

54. Sir T. Brinton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the effect of the January imports of eggs on the price paid to home producers by the Egg Marketing Board, which was further reduced on 4th February by 7d. a dozen for first quality eggs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

The determination of producer prices is a matter for the British Egg Marketing Board but I consider that the main factor affecting prices in recent weeks has been the seasonal increase in home production, which has not been matched by increased consumption. Imports in January are estimated at only about 3 per cent. of total U.K. supplies.