§ 8 and 9. Dr. HUNTERasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will state the amount and value of subsidised foreign foodstuffs imported into this country during 1927, 1928, and 1929, respectively;
(2) if he will state the amount and value of foreign foodstuffs imported into this country under the cost of production in the country of origin during the years 1927, 1928, and 1929, respectively?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe information desired by the hon. Member is not available.
§ Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is vitally necessary to get information on these points, in order to deal with the scandal of subsidised imported foodstuffs coming into this country?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman continuing his representations to friendly Governments which are subsidising goods, and, consequently, causing dumping in this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThose representations are in progress at present.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWould it not be possible for the President of the Board of Trade to get some approximate estimate of the figures involved?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill my right hon. Friend, at the same time, try to secure similar figures with regard to the quantity and value of goods subsidised and exported from this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIn Reply to the second supplementary question, we have, of course, a good deal of information on that point in our own returns. In reply to the first supplementary question, I have already given certain information, which is all that can be obtained. As my right hon. Friend knows, it is very difficult to trace what happens in the country of origin.