Written Answers
India (Press Ordinance)
asked the Secretary of State for India if he will publish a list of all papers that have been compelled to cease publication in India since the Press Ordinance Act has been applied this year?
So far as I am aware, no newspaper has been compelled to cease publication by action taken under the Press Ordinance.
Agriculture
Departmental Circular
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will instruct his inspectors to withdraw inquiries on Form No. 398/SS as to the acreage of crops grown by householders on a small plot; and will he cancel the circular letter Ref. No. SS 8204/CL, forecasting an inquiry into the family history of all animals next year?
The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed as to the purpose of the circulars to which he refers. The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
Imported Eggs (Marking)
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received reports that foreign eggs are being marked as British on a large scale; and whether he will take additional steps to prevent this?
Although reports have been received from time to time that the marks of origin on imported eggs have been removed, and there have been a number of convictions for this offence, I have no reason to believe that this is taking place on a large scale. If the hon. Member will furnish me with details of any such cases, I shall be, glad to look into the matter.