Food Subsidies (Eggs)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 17 Ebrill 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington 12:00, 17 Ebrill 1947

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the annual cost to the taxpayer of the subsidy on eggs.

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

About £31,750,000 in 1946–47, including dried eggs and egg products

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this amount is included in the food subsidies? Is he aware that if this subsidy was passed on to the producers, who take all the risks, he would get many more eggs? May I have an answer?

Photo of Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite , Holderness

Can the figure be broken down to give the amount of subsidy for shell eggs?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

Certainly; it is £16 million on home-produced eggs—that is shell eggs. The subsidy on imported eggs comes to £4.5 million, making a total of £20.5 million. On dried eggs and egg products, it is £11,250,000.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Will the right hon. Gentleman now consider trying to pass on some of this £16 million to the producers, and thereby get more eggs?