§ 53. Mr. BUTLERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the House any information about the shipments of subsidised French grain reaching British ports; and whether he proposes to take any steps to assist British produce in face of this competition?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy information is to the effect that the total imports of French wheat into the United Kingdom have shown a very marked rise during recent months. As regards the latter part of the question, I can add nothing at present to previous statements by myself and my predecessor on the subject.
§ Mr. BUTLERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is having a very deleterious effect upon the arable farmer, and can the arable farmer look to the present Government for any help in his very serious position at the present time?
Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has exact figures in regard to the first part of the question, and, if so, in view of the great importance of the subject to the agricultural districts, will he give the figures?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere are many figures, but I will give the Noble Lord the important ones. In the first five months of 1929 the flour imports were 63,000 cwts., and in the same period in 1930 627,000 cwts. Wheat has gone up from practically nil to 1,713,000 cwts.