460 Economic Position of Poultry Industry. [Aug., 



So far as prices are concerned, the average declared values''' 

 per unit of all imports work out as follows : — 



1913. 1919. Increase per cent. 



Eggs, per great hundred 8s. 10|cf. 30s. 6^f7. ... 245 



Poultry, dead, per cwt. ... 68s. Id. 207s. Id. ... 202 



How far we may anticipate that imported supplies of eggs ^<nd 

 poiiltry will increase to any great extent is a problem for consi- 

 deration. It will naturally be determined by the extent to which 

 foreign countries will be able to recover their former output, 

 and the increase in the number of poultry kept in this country 

 both for eggs, breeding and table purposes. The question of 

 price and demand will necessarily be involved in the considera- 

 tion of this problem. 



In 1913, more than 94 per cent, of eggs imported into 

 the United Kingdom were received from European countries. 

 The future position must largely be determined by the extent 

 to which this trade can recover, and a brief survey of the posi- 

 tion in various countries may be instructive. 



In 1913, 53 per cent, of the total imports of eggs into the 

 United Kingdom were received from Eussia. The prospects of 

 export from Eussia being revived are small, and as Germany 

 was the largest buyer of Eussian eggs and poultry before the 

 War, it is probable that when trade is resumed again the bulk 

 of supplies will find their way to that country. 



In 1913, Danish eggs represented 19.76 per cent, of our total 

 imports, but as a result of the War the number of fowls kept 

 in Denmark have largely declined. Although in 1919 

 imports of Danish eggs consisted of 29 per cent, of the total 

 imports of this commodity into the United Kingdom, the actual 

 <{uantities received were less by 64 per cent, than in 1913. 

 In pre-war days large quantities of Eussian eggs were imported 

 for consumption in Denmark, and in consequence of the cessa- 

 tion of this source of supply there has been a reduction in the 

 quantity of home produce available for export. A rapid increase 

 may be anticipated, although the prices obtainable in Germany 

 may lead to a greater proportion being sent to that country. 



The position in Holland is very similar. In 1913, 4 J per cent, 

 of the total imports of eggs into the United Kingdom came from 

 that country. In 1919 this figure has been reduced to only a 

 small fraction of 1 per cent. It may be anticipated, however, 

 that production will be rapidly increased, although Germany is 



* The declared value is the value (cost, insurance, freight) as declared to the; 

 Customs Officers at the port of arrivah 



