§ 72. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the desirability of prohibiting the export of milling offals to the Continent and elsewhere, in order to encourage home bacon and pork raising?
Mr. GUINNESSI have been asked to reply. I have given careful consideration to this subject, but it is by no means clear that the prohibition of the export of milling offals would have the result anticipated by my hon. and gallant Friend. Any interference with the export trade might have reactions on the quantity imported, which would not be to the ultimate advantage of agriculturists. I may add that under the Convention for the abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions and Restrictions, which has recently been signed at Geneva by a British delegate, though not yet ratified, His Majesty's Government would be precluded from adopting such a prohibition as my hon. and gallant Friend proposes.
§ Sir HENRY CAUTLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these exporters are charging lower prices to the foreigner and keeping up the price at home, and will he have some inquiries made?
Mr. GUINNESSWe have made inquiries, and the position is that for for-ward contracts for largo amounts of not less than 150 tons the price has turned out at certain periods to be in favour of the foreign importer, but naturally with forward contracts the price must vary from the day to day retail price for small quantities.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the mills in this country are unable to dispose of all their offals in the home market?