§ 44. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Agriculture for any information as to the operation and effect of wheat quota systems in those countries where such systems are in operation?
§ Dr. ADDISONVarious wheat quota systems are at present in operation in Portugal, Latvia, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland. The responsibility for prescribing and supervising the system usually rests upon the Minister of Agriculture or a corresponding Minister, but in some countries certain powers and duties are delegated to other organisations. The system of administration is in every case made as flexible as posible in order to deal with special circumstances and unforeseen contingencies. The systems have been in operation for a short period in most cases, and it would be premature to define their precise effect.
Sir WILLIAM, MITCHELL-THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman asking for any special report from His Majesty's representatives in regard to the working of this system?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat matter does not arise out of the question.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMay I ask, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman says that he has not got full information, whether he will get such information?
§ Dr. ADDISONI will do my best to give such information as I can.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to variations of the percentages within certain periods?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have a great deal of detailed information.
§ Captain MACDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman make that information available to the House? I have given him a week's notice of this question, and he has had all this time to provide the information.
§ Dr. ADDISONI have given an answer which is very long, but, if the hon. and gallant Member will put down an unstarred question, I will gladly give him any information that I have.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEMay I ask whether foreign quotas are combined with a guaranteed price for wheat and agricultural produce?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think in most cases, no. In some cases they are, but I will look further into the matter.
§ Major McKENZIE WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the price of bread is higher in those countries which have a quota?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is.