§ 15. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the anxiety which exists in the flour-milling industry on account of the increasing imports of flour from France; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Wells) on 20th June, and to the Noble Lady, the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Athoil) on 27th June.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the hon. Gentleman considered the concealed form of subsidy on the French export of flour which arises out of their system of taxation of imports of corn into France?
§ Dr. BURGINYes. The matter is under the consideration of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when they are likely to report, having regard to the fact that it has been under their consideration for a great many months?
§ 43. Mrs. RUNGEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for how long the application of the millers in connection with the importation of foreign flour, and in particular French flour, into this country has been before the Import Duties Advisory Committee?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I am informed by the committee that the application in regard to foreign flour was, originally made to them on the 18th May, 1932, but that its consideration was deferred for the reasons outlined in paragraph 17 of their first report.