asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that as a result of the recent order issued by the British Ministry of Agriculture, under which British and Northern Ireland eggs are unstamped, imported eggs (including Saorstát eggs) must be stamped; whether as a result of this order eggs are being sold on the Saorstát side of the Border at about threepence per dozen less than on the Northern side; further, whether he is aware that this discrepancy in price means a serious loss to Saorstát farmers, and whether the Minister will state what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Eggs from Saorstát.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It was anticipated that the immediate effect of the Order in question would be to depress the price of all stamped eggs in British and Northern Ireland markets, but I am informed that, although somewhat higher prices have been given for first quality non-stamped eggs in Northern Ireland as compared with the general run of prices paid for stamped Free State eggs, there are no grounds for believing that non-stamped eggs are generally realising to the extent indicated in the question a price in excess of that obtaining for Free State eggs.
Even if Free State eggs are not securing on British markets prices quite as high as those given for unstamped eggs, they command a higher price than any other stamped eggs. I am satisfied that as time goes on, and the quality of stamped Free State eggs comes to be appreciated, the margin of price between these eggs and unstamped eggs will decrease, and that the margin between Free State eggs and other stamped eggs will increase.
Under the circumstances no present action seems called for, but undoubtedly the introduction of the British Order renders more imperative than ever the necessity for strict observance by exporters of the requirements of the Agricultural Produce (Eggs) Act and the Regulations made under it. I may add that I have had for some time under consideration the necessity of asking for additional legislative powers with a view to further raising the standard of eggs exported from this country.