§ MR. FELLI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the shipments of American hops which have arrived and are due to arrive during this week, and to the prices at which such hops are being sold; and if, under the special circumstances, he can prevent the next shipment from being cleared through the Custom House until the Committee now sitting has reported on the action necessary to be taken in the matter.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEThe quantity of hops imported into the United Kingdom from the United States of America during the week, 27th March to 2nd April, both dates inclusive, amounted to 34,058 cwts. I am informed that the latest average market prices for American hops grown in 1907 range from 35s. to 42s. per cwt. There is no power to detain importations of hops pending the Report of the Committee now inquiring into the matter.
§ MR. FELLHaving regard to the fact that the Colorado beetle and other pests are introduced by these ships, could not the right hon. Gentleman have these hops examined microscopically?
[No Answer was returned.]