HC Deb 25 November 1930 vol 245 cc1060-1
4. Major COLVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the quantity and value of electrical house-service meters imported during the first 10 months of this year compares with the amount imported in the corresponding period of the years 1928 and 1929?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The imports of electrical house-service meters and parts thereof into this country during the first 10 months of 1930 show some increase over the imports during the corresponding periods of 1929 and 1928. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the figures for each of these periods.

Major COLVILLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the import of this article has increased fourfold during this year, owing to the fact that a price-war is being conducted by two foreign countries in the only free dumping ground in the world—this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

I can only say that while the figures before me show an increase, it is not nearly so large as my hon. And gallant Friend suggests.

Following is the table:

Soviet Union sold in Great Britain in the last three months, but the imports of wheat into Great Britain and Northern Ireland registered during the three months ended October 31st last as consigned from the Soviet Union amounted to 5,826,000 cwts. of wheat, of an average declared value of 6s. 9d. per cwt. (c.i.f.).

Sir A. KNOX

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this price compares with the world-price during that period?

Mr. GRAHAM

I should be glad if the hon. and gallant Member would put that question down; it is not contained in this question.

Major McKENZIE WOOD

How does that quantity compare with the quantity that used to be imported before the War?

Mr. SPEAKER

We had better have these questions put down.

Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT

Is it not a fact that this amount of Russian wheat at that price is absolutely destructive of the economic value of the product of British agriculture?

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