HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1866-7
62. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that wheat, barley and oats, imported from some countries, are produced under sweated conditions; and whether he will seek the authority of the Cabinet to secure powers to stabilise prices, on an economic basis, in order to enable home producers and farm workers to secure a livelihood in arable farming and to keep suitable land under the plough?

Mr. N. BUXTON

Precise data are not available as to the cost of production in the countries of origin of the commodities named. In reply to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the proposal to stabilise prices by means of an Import Board is being examined by the Departments concerned.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will my right hon. Friend make really urgent representations, having regard to the extreme gravity of the situation in the arable districts?

Mr. BUXTON

Yea, Sir.