§ 50. Mr. Boscawenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received for further time for the change-over from the British Egg Marketing Board to the new Egg Authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartNone. The Eggs Authority is now in being.
§ 51. Mr. Boscawenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to prevent the period of change-over to a free market in eggs resulting in egg production falling into the hands of a small number of large groups.
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§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe trend towards large units has been a feature of egg production for many years. It will probably continue in a free market, but the industry remains extremely competitive and I see no reason to intervene.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has removed the import levy on eggs; by how much extra he anticipates the price of eggs will rise as a result; and what estimate he has made of the general increase in food prices which will result over the years as a whole.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe levies have been removed because the prices of all imported eggs in shell are now above the minimum import price levels. As there are now no levies, they can have no effect on prices.