§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, when the importation of Foreign straw for packing purposes was prohibited; whether the reason for this prohibition still continues to be as imperative as then; whether he is aware that the pottery trade is suffering from the high price of packing straw due to this prohibition; and whether he would make arrangements to exempt from the prohibition all straw to be used for packing purposes?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYRestrictions were imposed by the Foreign Hay and Straw Order of 1908. The reasons for the Order continue to exist, and on the information before them the Board are not prepared to modify the restrictions. Two complaints have been received by the Board.
§ Mr. J. WARDIs it not a fact that there have been repeated complaints from the Potteries with reference to this prohibition, and would the hon. Baronet say whether he could not snake an exception in the case of packing straw which comes in cases and is not intended to be used for fodder, or of such merchandise as would not come into the keeping of cattle.
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThere is no general complaint. There have been two complaints. At present the Board of Agriculture is looking into these complaints.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the hon. Baronet aware that in spite of this prohibition straw comes into this country packed around goods that compete with the goods made in this country which require to be packed in cheap straw? Is he aware that this comes at present, and that it could be used for fodder? Will he not consider 1670 the possibility of allowing straw to come into this country to be used solely for packing purposes?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe question is being considered.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODI beg to give notice that I will raise the matter in the Debate to-day.