§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information is available on the average consumption per person per week of eggs in each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackEstimates of household consumption of eggs in Great Britain are provided by the Ministry's national food survey. The estimates, which are expressed in terms of average number of eggs per person per week, exclude eggs used in manufacturing or in catering and institutions.
Number per person per week Egg consumption 1984 3.21 1985 3.15 1986 3.01 1987 2.89 1988 2.67 1989 2.29 1990 2.20 1991 2.25 1992 2.08 1993 1.92 The long-term decline in the consumption of shell eggs in households reflects a number of factors. Some of these —more eating out, lower energy requirements due to the switch to more sedentary occupations—affect total household food consumption while others, such as reductions in cooked breakfasts, home baking and high teas, will have particularly affected household consumption of eggs. The use of eggs within processed food products is, however, increasing.