§ 41. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture, if, in the light of the latest available facts as to the export of milling offals, his advisers confirm the Report of the Linlithgow Committee, 1923, that an export duty would not benefit British agriculture?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)The facts regarding the imports and exports of milling offals are not substantially different from what they were at the time of the Report of the Linlithgow Committee. I see no reason to differ from the views expressed by the Committee.
§ 42. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is advised of any substantial increase in the net imports of wheat flour in recent years, taking Great Britain only and allowing for exports to Ireland and elsewhere; and whether he has considered the probable effect upon British agriculture and the milling industry of duties upon these imports on the lines of proposals made to him by agricultural bodies?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI regret that there are no figures as to the retained imports of wheat meal and flour in Great Britain alone. Such figures as are available of retained imports in Great Britain and Ireland do not by any means indicate an increase in recent years in such imports, though it is true that there was a substantial increase in 1926 over 1925, in which year, however, imports were exceptionally low. The imposition of a duty would be contrary to the Prime Minister's pledge at the last General Election.
§ Mr. HURDQuite apart from that pledge, can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this would have the effect contemplated in the report of the Commission which considered the matter?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI think it would have very undesirable effects in many respects, because, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Dominions are greatly interested in this export to this country, and I think they would feel it very strongly if we interfered with the natural course of trade.