HC Deb 17 March 1971 vol 813 cc356-7W
Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now announce new levels of minimum import prices for eggs.

Mr. Prior

The Government have now reviewed the minimum import price levels and arrangements for eggs and egg products in consultation with the United Kingdom industry and trade and with the overseas suppliers to our market.

In the light of this review, they have decided to lay before Parliament an Order raising the minimum import price levels for eggs in shell to the following levels from 29th March, 1971:

Pounds Weight (per 120 Eggs) Scale from 29th March, 1971 (per 120 Eggs)
Not exceeding 11 … £1.18 (23s. 6d.)
Over 11 but not exceeding 12½ £1.30 (26s. 0d.)
Over 12½ but not exceeding 14 £1.43 (28s. 6d.)
Over 14 but not exceeding 15½ £1.52 (30s. 6d.)
Over 15½ but not exceeding 17 £1.65 (33s. 0d.)
Over 17 £1.77 (35s. 6d.)

The Order will also specify that the minimum import prices for egg products will be raised to £280 a ton for liquid and frozen whole egg and to £900 a ton for dried egg as from 1st October, 1971. For both shell eggs and egg products the minimum import prices are on a c.i.f. duty-paid basis.

The minimum import price levels and arrangements will continue to be subject to review at annual intervals. The next review will be held in the first quarter of 1972.