§ 36. Mr. R. A. TAYLORasked the Minister of Agriculture, if he has any information pointing to the suspension by the German Government of the issue of import bonds in respect of export of oats?
§ Dr. ADDISONBy a decree of the 27th May, the issue of import bonds for oats has been suspended as from the 4th June. This decree does not, however, apply in the case of milled products of oats. A further decree of the 28th May has suspended the issue of import bonds in respect of wheat flour as from the 5th June.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes this mean that the German Government have withdrawn the bounty on oats?
§ Mr. TAYLORIs this change due to the representations made by the Government?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe bonds are suspended completely for the present. What the reasons are, of course, is best known to the German Government.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINDo I understand that we have no assurance that the system may not be resumed at any moment, and that this may be merely an interim measure, pending the ratification of the Convention which is now under consideration?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat is so. We have no definite assurance as to the future.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIs not that a reason to prevent the ratification of the Convention for the abolition of import and export restrictions and prohibitions until at least this matter is put on a permanent and satisfactory footing?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe right hon. Gentleman must be aware that the Government have been very active in this matter, and I think that so far the results are most encouraging.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes it mean that the bounty has been withdrawn?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, it does.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the order for the suspension has already taken effect, or is it to take effect at a future date?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt has already taken effect.