17. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that only about 6½ per cent. of the hog and sheep casings used as sausage skins are produced in this country, and that the prohibition of the import of sausage skins will involve the closing down of a large part of the trade, to the detriment not merely of the trade but of those who have been accustomed to avail themselves of this supply of cheap food; whether he will state from what sources his information is derived that the supply of sausage skins in this country at present is adequate; and whether he is aware of the difference between hog and sheep casings, which are suitable for the manufacture of sausages consumed in this country, and cattle casings, of which practically our whole output used to be exported to Germany, which have now accumulated in large quantities in this country, but which are not suitable for the manufacture of sausages such as are consumed in this country?
Mr. HARCOURTMy information is to the effect that the stock of hog and sheep casings available in this country is sufficient for all requirements for the next two months. I will consider whether licences for the admission of a limited quantity of these casings can be granted in due course with a view to meeting later requirements.