asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of eggs used for hatching purposes by accredited and non-accredited hatcheries during a 12 month period to the latest convenient date, and what restriction there is on the price that may be paid for eggs purchased for hatching.

I have no information as to the number of eggs used for hatching purposes by non-accredited hatcheries during a twelve-month period, but statistics show that an average of approximately 20 million eggs per annum have been sold to accredited hatcheries in England and Wales by accredited breeders during the last few years, and the total eggs a year used for hatching is estimated very roughly at 55 million. There are no restrictions on the price of hatching eggs.

In view of the large number of eggs involved, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that some tightening of the regulations is not required in order to secure the maximum availability of eggs through the normal channels?

I do not quite see what restrictions we can apply to this particular difficulty.

By looking into supplies to non-accredited hatcheries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that late-hatched pullets are comparatively weak and infertile; and if, in order to utilise limited supplies of poultry food to the best advantage, he will institute a close season for hatcheries from May to August.

I am aware that the view is widely, although not universally, accepted that late-hatched pullets are economically of less value than those hatched in the early months of the year, but the enforcement of a close season for incubating eggs would be impracticable.

What is meant by the expression "comparatively infertile"?