HC Deb 11 February 1930 vol 235 cc221-2
Mr. ALPASS

(by Private Notice) asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to reports circulating in Canada that millers in this country are conducting an organised campaign against the purchase of Canadian wheat, and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter in view of the possible reactions on his schemes for the development of trade with Canada?

Mr. THOMAS

Yes, Sir. In conference with the National Association of Millers of Great Britain and Ireland yesterday I drew attention to these reports. The best answer I can make is to read to the House the following message which the Association authorised me to make public both in this country and in Canada: The National Association of Millers of Great Britain and Ireland have heard with amazement of reports circulating in Canada that there is organised opposition in Great Britain to the purchasing of Canadian wheat. These reports are entirely contrary to the facts. The millers of this country are always anxious to purchase Canadian wheat provided that prices are at approximately world parity, and the suggestion that there is any conspiracy against Canadian interests is absurd. I also understand that the representatives of the Canadian Wheat Pool now in Europe have cabled an emphatic denial of these reports to Canada.