§ 42. Sir W. DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 17,000 casks of Russian butter arrived last week in London, while 20,000 further casks are to arrive during the current week; that this butter is being sold at 96s. per cwt. as compared with 116s. per cwt. for Dominion butter; and what action the Government propose to take to deal with this matter in the interests of British and Dominion farmers who, owing to the standard of living prevailing in this country and the Dominions, are unable to produce butter for sale at anything like the Russian price?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am aware that there have recently been considerable importations of Russian butter. I should, however, point out that the quantity imported from Australia and New Zealand in the first 10 months of this year has been more than eight times that imported from the Soviet Union. The difference in price appears to be that which has usually obtained in recent months and no doubt depends to some extent on difference in quality. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, my right hon. Friend is in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it would be a matter for satisfaction if what we did not produce in this country came from the Empire rather than from Russia?
§ Mr. D. MASONIf we do not buy butter from Russia, how can we expect to sell agricultural machinery to Russia?