§ 75. Lord SCONEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that a German ministerial order, becoming effective op 19th November, provides for the reintroduction of export bounties of from 8 to 10 reichmarks per 100 kilos on malting barley and various oat products; and if he will consider the advisability of imposing countervailing duties?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have been asked to reply. I am aware of the reintroduction of the import bond system in respect of certain barley and oat products (but not malting barley) exported from Germany. The last part of the question raises a matter of general trade policy on which the Government is not prepared at present to make a statement.
§ Lord SCONEWill my right hon. Friend inform the House when he thinks that he will be able to make a reply?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, I cannot say any specific date.
§ 88. Lord SCONEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider imposing a tariff on foreign oats, seeing that this country can produce all the oats necessary to satisfy national requirements and that no treaties stand in the way of thus protecting the home producer?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWhile I shall be happy to bear in mind my noble Friend's suggestion, I am not in a position to add to the statements which I have made recently in this House with regard to agricultural policy.
§ Lord SCONEDoes my right hon. Friend realise that unless some assurance is given soon very much more ground will be put down to grass next year?
§ Mr. R. W. SMITHWhen my right hon. Friend made his statement on agricultural policy, was he aware that the German Government were putting export bounties upon oats and other cereals?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have already answered that question.
§ Sir J. GILMOURI can only be aware of the fact when the circumstances actually take place.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLDoes my right hon. Friend propose to renew his activities now that the circumstances have taken place?