§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the present state of the egg producers in Wales; what plans he has to support the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alec JonesSince April, returns to egg producers in both Wales and the United Kingdom have generally been lower than in the corresponding period last year, because of an increase in the number of chicks coming into lay. Supply and demand are now coming into better balance and prices to producers have shown some improvement. As regards support for egg producers, this is governed by a Community regime which gives protection from third countries by imposing levies on imports and by giving refunds to exporters.