asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in what way and for what purpose the retail price of eggs was recently controlled; what the result has been to the producer and to the consumer, and in particular in what way it has been of any benefit to them; and also what effect it has had on (a) the purchasing of eggs for export, and (b) the cold storing of eggs for export.

The prices of eggs were controlled under a recent Order, entitled the Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1946. The purpose and effect of the Order were to prevent unduly high prices being charged during a period of scarcity and at the same time provide a reasonable return for the producer. The Order has had no effect on the purchasing of eggs for export. No eggs have been exported for some weeks past.

Is the Minister aware that the result of the Order, in Dublin at any rate, is that people who were able to get eggs in the past are not able to get them now? Has he given any consideration to the position in regard to production—whether the introduction of this control of the price of eggs is not choking off production, particularly at a time when we want production to be stimulated?

I do not know if it has been satisfactorily established that the scarcity of eggs is due to the Order.

Can the Minister suggest any other reason for the scarcity of eggs in the City of Dublin?

Just that they are scarce, I suppose.

Is the Minister aware that there is a greater scarcity of eggs now than there was prior to the Order being made?

And that rotten eggs are being sold in Dublin?