HC Deb 05 May 1930 vol 238 cc628-9
72. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the largely increased dumping of German cereals in this country since the imposition in Germany of an import duty on cereals, coupled with an export credit, whether he has studied the effect of this German legislation on agriculture in this country; and if he proposes to take any steps to protect British agriculturists?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I would remind the hon. Member that the system of Import Bonds in Germany has been in force, with the exception of a short period during the War, since 1894. As stated by my right hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, in reply to a similar question by the hon. Baronet, the Member for Grantham (Sir V. Warrender), on 17th April, the Government are fully aware of all the facts and circumstances connected with this system, and have done and will continue to do whatever is practicable in the matter.

Mr. ALBERY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the last three years, owing to certain alterations made in German legislation, the exports into this country have gone up year by year and the imports into Germany have gone down year by year?

Mr. BUXTON

On the contrary, the fact is that last year the imports of wheat into this country were very much smaller.

Major MACKENZIE WOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what answer was given by the Economic Committee of the League of Nations to the representations which the Government recently made to them?

Mr. BUXTON

The subject was laid before the German representatives and we are awaiting a reply when the question has been studied at Berlin.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that in 1924 some 77,000 cwts. of German cereals came into this country while last year 2,500,000 cwts. were imported into this country?

Mr. BUXTON

The import of oats has increased while that of wheat has decreased. It is very difficult to trace the connection between the quantity of imports to this country and the prices prevalent.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that there is a subsidy on each cwt. of oats dumped into Scotland from Germany?