HC Deb 18 February 1930 vol 235 cc1150-1
48. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Prime Minister if he has now received any Reports as the result of the investigations which are in progress into the effects on the industry of agriculture of uncontrolled and subsidised dumping of foreign cereals into this country; and whether he is considering the question of prohibition or of control of such imports at the ports?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I am not able at present to make any addition to the answers which have been previously given.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister referred yesterday to reciprocal treaties and will he bear in mind before the delegation goes to Geneva, where this question is to be discussed, that those reciprocal treaties never contemplated the wholesale and subsidised dumping of foreign cereals at below the cost of production?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I am not aware of the reply given yesterday by the Prime Minister, but I may inform the right hon. Gentleman that the delegation has already left for Geneva, and, if I remember rightly, in reply to a question last week the Prime Minister said that this matter would be discussed.

Lieut-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is it not the policy of the right hon. Gentleman to encourage dumping in every way he can?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1924 only 74,000 cwts. of German oats entered this country, while last year 2,500,000 cwts. were dumped into this country under subsidy and that amount is increased this year?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Surely the right hon. Gentleman does not expect me to be aware of the exact arithmetical number of cwts. of German oats dumped into this country in 1924.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman not seriously concerned with this position, and is he not studying it with earnest attention?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that this question is being earnestly discussed, and I have already intimated that the President of the Board of Trade, who is now in Geneva, will raise the matter.

Mr. WISE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that during the period of office of the last Government as large quantities were dumped into this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle!