§ 61. Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Agriculture the extent of subsidy, if any, paid to the exporters of wheat and flour from France, Germany, and the United States; whether this subsidy enables such wheat and flour to be sold in this country at less than its cost of production; and whether he proposes to take any action with regard to this matter?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)As the reply is long, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the reply, it states that any subsidies are granted?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, I give full details in the reply.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The face value of the import bond given to exporters of wheat in Germany is about 3s. 3d. per cwt. The issue of import bonds in respect of wheat flour exported from that country has been suspended as from 5th June.
§ In France the position is more obscure, but it appears that as a result of recent legislation exporters of wheat receive a payment of 49 francs per 100 kilos. (equivalent to about 4s. per cwt.) from a special fund. Exporters of flour benefit at an equivalent rate based upon the amount of wheat represented by the flour exported. As regards the United States, I have nothing to add to my reply of the 3rd June to the hon. Member for Penrith (Mr. Dixey), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ I have no information as to the average costs of the production of wheat in the three countries concerned which would enable me to reply to the second part of my hon. Friend's question.
§ With regard to the last part of the question, I can add nothing at present to previous statements by myself and my predecessor on the subject.