HC Deb 09 June 1931 vol 253 cc793-4
40. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of Russian butter imported into this country in the last six months to date, and the amount of British margarine exported to Russia in that period?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

During the five months ended 30th April, 1931, 7,007 cwt. of butter, valued at £34,455, were imported into the United Kingdom registered as consigned from the Soviet Union, and 128,195 cwt. of margarine, valued at £301,875, of United Kingdom manufacture, were exported from this country registered as consigned to the Soviet Union. The figures for the domestic exports of margarine to the Soviet Union during May have not yet been compiled, but I will send them to the hon. Member as soon as they are available, together with particulars regarding the imports of butter from the Soviet Union during May, which will be published on the 12th June in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."

Mr. MUGGERIDGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Russian Government have asked to be informed of the conditions under which British margarine is made?

Mr. GRAHAM

No, Sir. There is no question of that kind, as far as I know.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is it not produced under fair conditions of labour?

Sir COOPER RAWSON

Is there any reason why such a stupid question should be answered?

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