asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the total out put of eggs produced in Great Britain passes through packing stations licensed by his Department.

About 70 per cent. of the estimated production of eggs from agricultural holdings for the year ended 31st May, 1947, was sent to licensed packing stations.

Is the Minister satisfied that this proportion of 70 per cent. is as high as it should or could be?

We have, of course, to allow for the fact that some eggs are consumed in the households of producers, and that some are used for hatching, but we should like to keep the proportion as high as possible.