§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the state of the poultry industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopThe market for poultry meat is firm and producers have been increasing their stocks in the expectation of a continuing firm demand. Egg prices fell back recently but remain substantially above the very low levels reached in the summer when at my right hon. Friend's200W request the Commission took action designed to help producers in this country who were then particularly hard pressed.
However, concern has been expressed within the industry that the recent trend of increased chick placings could lead to over-production in the first half of 1976. The state of the industry will be considered at the forthcoming annual review.